Mario Rodriguez Sues Tyler Perry for Sexual Assault

Actor Mario Rodriguez filed a lawsuit against filmmaker Tyler Perry on Thursday in Los Angeles Superior Court, accusing him of multiple instances of sexual assault and battery at Perry's Los Angeles home between 2014 and 2019. The complaint, which also names Lionsgate as a defendant for allegedly ignoring Perry's conduct, seeks at least $77 million in damages for claims including sexual battery and intentional infliction of emotional distress.

Rodriguez, who appeared as a college student in Perry's 2016 film Boo! A Madea Halloween, alleges that the encounters began after a gym trainer at an Equinox fitness center in Los Angeles approached him in 2014 and provided Perry's contact information for a potential acting role. Perry called Rodriguez that day, according to the lawsuit, and encouraged him to audition, saying, "You know Mario, I'm not a bad person to know and have in your corner." Rodriguez secured the part and was later invited to Perry's home to discuss opportunities.

The complaint details several alleged incidents under the guise of professional meetings. In one early encounter shortly after they met, Perry placed his hand on Rodriguez's leg and rubbed his inner thigh...