Tyler Perry Sued for Sexual Battery by Actor From Boo! A Madea Halloween Entertainment mogul Tyler Perry is facing a new lawsuit that alleges sexual assault and sexual battery by an actor who appeared in Boo! A Madea Halloween. The lawsuit was filed Thursday in California state court by actor Mario Rodriguez, who claims Perry subjected him to repeated unwanted sexual advances over several years, primarily at Perry’s Los Angeles home.
What the Lawsuit Alleges
According to the complaint, Rodriguez says the alleged misconduct began after a gym trainer at an Equinox location in Los Angeles approached him in 2014 and said Perry wanted his phone number to discuss an acting opportunity
Rodriguez claims Perry later called him and encouraged him to audition for Boo! A Madea Halloween, allegedly saying that he was someone worth having “in your corner.”
After Rodriguez accepted the role, the lawsuit claims he was invited to Perry’s home, where the filmmaker allegedly touched his inner thigh near his genitals while the two were watching a movie. Rodriguez says he attempted to remove himself from the situation, but Perry persisted with suggestive comments, including promises of career support.
Rodriguez claims that after filming wrapped, Perry continued to suggest future roles and scripts, but meetings at Perry’s home allegedly included further unwanted physical contact.
One of the most serious allegations involves a 2018 meeting following dinner at Mastro’s Steakhouse in Beverly Hills, where Rodriguez claims Perry tightly hugged him, attempted to unbuckle his pants, and grabbed his genitals.
The complaint also alleges that Perry later gave Rodriguez $5,000 after the incident, which the actor describes as hush money. Rodriguez claims similar conduct occurred again in 2019, followed by another $5,000 payment after he rejected Perry’s alleged advances.
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