LOS ANGELES (AP) — Tyler Perry is being sued for sexual assault by the “Boo!” Madea's Halloween,” marking the second lawsuit in recent months accusing the director and studio mogul of using his power in Hollywood to sexually harass him.
Mario Rodriguez filed the lawsuit Thursday in California, alleging that Perry subjected him to repeated unwanted sexual advances over several years, including sexual battery and assault at Perry's Los Angeles home. Rodriguez is seeking at least $77 million in damages and is also suing Lionsgate, which distributed the 2016 film, accusing the studio of turning a blind eye to Perry's alleged misconduct.
Lionsgate did not immediately respond to an email seeking comment.
In a statement, Perry's lawyer denied the allegations.
According to the complaint, in 2014, Rodriguez was approached by a trainer at the Equinox gym in Los Angeles who said Perry wanted his phone number to discuss an acting role. Perry later invited Rodriguez to audition for “Boo! Madea's Halloween,” telling him, “I'm not a bad person to know and have in your corner,” the lawsuit states.
After Rodriguez was cast in the role, he was invited to Perry's house, where Perry allegedly touched him inappropriately while they were watching the film. The lawsuit describes additional alleged incidents that occurred in 2016, 2018 and 2019, including one incident in which Perry allegedly tried to unzip Rodriguez's pants and another in which Perry placed Rodriguez's hand on his genitals. The complaint says Perry gave Rodriguez $5,000 several times after meetings.
Rodriguez says he resisted the advances and ultimately decided to file a lawsuit after learning of similar allegations made by another actor, Derek Dixon.
Dixon sued Perry in June, alleging the director groped him while Dixon was working on Perry's television series “The Oval” and “Ruthless.” The lawsuit, which was originally filed in Los Angeles Superior Court, was reportedly later transferred to federal court in Georgia, where Perry's studio is based.
Rodriguez's lawsuit includes allegations of sexual assault, sexual battery and intentional infliction of emotional distress.
