Tyler Perry is facing a $77 million lawsuit from actor Mario Rodriguez, who claims the director sexually assaulted him over several years.
Rodriguez who appeared in Berry boo! Halloween MadeiaThe lawsuit was filed in California on Thursday against Perry and Lionsgate.
Rodriguez claims Perry, 56, made sexual advances in 2018, according to court documents he obtained. Page six.
He claims that after meeting Perry at the Equinox gym in 2015, he was invited to dinner at Mastro’s Steakhouse in Beverly Hills to discuss a role in Perry’s series. Oval. Rodriguez says Perry later invited him to his home, where Perry allegedly touched him inappropriately, made sexual noises, and pressed his body against Rodriguez.
After escaping, Rodriguez claims Perry apologized and gave him $5,000.
Rodriguez also alleges a 2019 incident where Perry grabbed his hand and moved her into his private area. Perry allegedly promised financial security if Rodriguez complied. Another $5,000 was allegedly paid after Rodriguez refused.
The lawsuit alleges that Lionsgate was “aware” of Perry’s behavior but continued to fund his projects without any involvement.
Perry’s attorney, Alex Spiro, dismissed the allegations as a “botched money grab.” He also pointed to a previous lawsuit filed by the same attorney.
These new allegations come on the heels of a separate $260 million lawsuit filed by former actor Derek Dixon Ovalwho accused Perry of harassment and sexual assault starting in 2020.
Perry’s team had previously called Dixon’s claims a “scam,” but Dixon reiterated his claims in an interview in September. ABC NewsPointing out that he made it clear that he was not interested in having a sexual relationship with Perry.