Tyler Perry Accuser Defends Friendly Texts Amid Lawsuit

Mario Rodriguez – the person who accused Tyler Perry about a sexual battery last week – says friendly text messages they allegedly exchanged do not undermine his claims and are in fact consistent with his story.

The model and actor told PEOPLE … “I want to briefly respond to what's being said about me right now. People are pointing to posts where I've been polite, grateful, or vulnerable—and trying to use that to discredit me.”

He continues: “When someone has influence over your career, your income, your future, you don't feel free. Survivors often remain cordial. They often seek help when they feel desperate.”

Rodriguez adds that the reports do not refute his allegations. “This does not mean that abuse did not occur. These text messages were sent at a time when I was particularly vulnerable, as the context suggests. Continued financial support and access are not incompatible with abuse – they are often part of the power dynamics that follow.”

We broke history… the texts allegedly depict Rodriguez ask Perry for financial help to solve a dental problem. The messages also show Rodriguez repeatedly thanking Perry for his support and friendship.

The messages were allegedly sent before Rodriguez filed a sexual assault and battery lawsuit against Perry on Christmas Day, accusing the movie mogul of making unwanted advances and, in one case, allegedly grabbing his penis.

lawyer Perry, Alex Spirocategorically denies the claims, telling TMZ… “This is nothing more than a scam to extort $77 million.”