Before filing a $77 million lawsuit last week alleging sexual assault, an actor from Tyler Perry’s “Boo! A Madea Halloween” reportedly shared personal struggles – including health and money problems – with Perry himself.
Actor Mario Rodriguez filed a lawsuit against Perry on Thursday, alleging sexual assault and sexual battery related to incidents that reportedly occurred in 2015 and 2019. According to the 23-page complaint filed in Los Angeles County court, Rodriguez ended contact with Perry in 2019, but Perry continued to reach out to him sporadically until 2024.
Text message screenshots, shared with news organizations like the Associated Press, suggest a different story.
Rodriguez and Perry exchanged text messages as recently as August. On Monday, Rodriguez stated that people are misinterpreting past polite, grateful, or vulnerable messages as a way to damage his reputation.
People who have experienced trauma often remain polite, and they might reach out for help when they’re feeling overwhelmed. However, that doesn’t change the fact that abuse could have occurred. Those messages were sent to Perry when I was particularly vulnerable, which is clear if you look at the surrounding circumstances.
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According to the Associated Press, Rodriguez sent Perry a Thanksgiving message in 2024 expressing his love and gratitude. TMZ published screenshots of the message, in which Rodriguez wrote, “Just know that I love you and I thank you for everything, I appreciate you to the moon.”
On August 31st, Rodriguez texted Perry about his health problems, explaining he didn’t have health insurance. In a message reported by TMZ, Rodriguez said, “I promised I wouldn’t ask for anything, but if my fears are confirmed, I don’t think I can manage this on my own, as I’m already struggling to pay my bills.”
Look, I was really struggling back then. I texted a friend in August saying I literally couldn’t afford to see a doctor, and honestly, I wasn’t asking for anything, just to feel better. I was genuinely scared, you know? It was a tough time.
Alex Spiro, Perry’s lawyer, reiterated his stance on Monday, calling the situation a fraudulent attempt to obtain $77 million.
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This lawsuit from Rodriguez follows a similar case filed in June by actor Derek Dixon, known for his role in “The Oval.” Dixon accused Perry of sexual harassment, unwanted touching, and retaliation, and is asking for $260 million in compensation.
In a lawsuit, Rodriguez claims Tyler Perry, 56, used his position in Hollywood to sexually abuse people seeking roles in his films, similar to allegations made by another individual, Dixon, in June. Rodriguez also states Perry didn’t hire him for future work after he refused the director’s unwanted sexual advances. Both Rodriguez and Dixon are being represented by the same lawyer, Jonathan J. Delshad.
The recent lawsuit claims that Rodriguez began his career as a model. In 2015, while at an upscale gym, a trainer connected him with Tyler Perry, suggesting he might be right for a small part in “Boo! A Madea Halloween.” Before Rodriguez even auditioned, Perry reportedly told him he could be a valuable connection and hinted at future opportunities if he landed the role.
The lawsuit claims the alleged assault began in 2015 at the mogul’s Los Angeles home. According to the documents, they were drinking together when the mogul invited the actor-model to watch a movie in his home theater. He reportedly asked the actor-model to leave his phone in the kitchen and then began questioning him about his personal life, offering hugs and compliments. The lawsuit states the mogul then started rubbing the actor-model’s shoulders and chest while making sexual sounds. When the actor-model tried to move away, the mogul allegedly continued to touch him, even rubbing his inner thigh near his genitals, according to the complaint.
According to the lawsuit, the alleged sexual assaults continued for several years after Perry and Rodriguez finished filming the “Madea” movie in 2016. Rodriguez moved back to Los Angeles and remained in touch with Perry, who then invited Rodriguez to his home again to talk about potential future collaborations, the court documents state.
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According to the lawsuit, after a few initial meetings, Mr. Perry resumed making sexually suggestive comments about Mr. Rodriguez’s appearance and asking him explicit questions about his sexual history, including whether he had ever been with another man. The complaint also alleges that Perry again grabbed Rodriguez’s leg in a sexually suggestive manner.
In November 2018, Rodriguez met with Tyler Perry again, this time to talk about a possible part in his show, “The Oval.” They had dinner in Beverly Hills, and Perry reportedly asked about the nature of their relationship before asking Rodriguez to come to his home in Los Angeles later that night.
According to a lawsuit, a discussion about working together became sexually inappropriate when Perry allegedly asked Rodriguez about his sexual preferences and experiences. The complaint claims Perry then forcibly hugged Rodriguez, attempted to undo his pants, and reached into his underwear, grabbing his genitals. Before leaving, Perry reportedly gave Rodriguez $5,000 in cash.
According to the lawsuit, Perry repeatedly invited Rodriguez to his Los Angeles home, falsely claiming it was for work. Over several months, Perry then sexually assaulted the actor. Following another incident in April 2019, Rodriguez ceased all contact with Perry.
Perry reportedly became very angry that Rodriguez was avoiding him and sent him a series of angry text messages. The legal complaint includes copies of these messages, including one where Rodriguez explains and apologizes for not being in contact because of personal issues.
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According to the lawsuit, Perry texted Rodriguez, stating he expected to receive a text message from Rodriguez at least once a month. He also inquired about Rodriguez’s workout routine and asked for photos.
Rodriguez explained that providing financial help or continued access to an abuser doesn’t disprove abuse – in fact, it’s often how abusers maintain control.
Just because someone received financial help doesn’t mean they weren’t harmed. Survivors of abuse often deal with complicated situations, and support doesn’t erase the damage done.
In addition to other claims, Rodriguez filed a lawsuit against Perry, alleging intentional emotional distress. They also sued Lionsgate, the distributor of “Boo! A Madea Halloween,” claiming the company was negligent in its handling of the situation.
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2025-12-30 03:02