The entertainment world is reeling once again as media mogul Tyler Perry finds himself at the center of a new legal firestorm. Just months after a high-profile lawsuit was filed by a former star of The Oval, another actor has come forward with disturbing allegations of sexual misconduct spanning several years.
The New Allegations: A Timeline of Misconduct
On Thursday, actor and model Mario Rodriguez, known for his role in the 2016 film Boo! A Madea Halloween filed a lawsuit in California state court. The complaint paints a dark picture of power dynamics, alleging that Perry used his influence to subject Rodriguez to repeated unwanted sexual advances and battery.
According to the legal documents, the trouble began as early as 2014 when Rodriguez was first recruited for a role. He claims that during a meeting at Perry’s Los Angeles home, the filmmaker “began rubbing his inner thigh” while they watched a movie. The suit details further incidents:
- 2016: During a discussion about future projects, Perry allegedly grabbed the actor's leg near his genitals.
- 2018: While discussing a role for the TV series The Oval, Perry reportedly reached into Rodriguez's underwear. Following this incident, the lawsuit claims Perry apologized and handed the actor $5,000.
- 2019: In a final encounter, Perry allegedly forced Rodriguez’s hand onto his own genitals, once again providing a $5,000 payment afterward.
Seeking Accountability and $77 Million in Damages
Rodriguez is seeking at least $77 million in damages, citing sexual assault, sexual battery, and intentional infliction of emotional distress. The lawsuit doesn’t stop at Perry; it also names Lionsgate, the distributor of the Madea franchise, accusing the studio of turning a blind eye to Perry's alleged behavior.
For Rodriguez, the decision to come forward was heavily influenced by the courage of others. He noted that he felt compelled to speak out after learning about the lawsuit filed by Derek Dixon earlier this year. Dixon is currently seeking $260 million in a separate sexual assault and harassment case against Perry.
The Legal Defense: A “Money Grab”?
Tyler Perry’s legal team has wasted no time in firing back. Attorney Alex Spiro dismissed the claims in a scathing statement, labeling the lawsuit a transparent attempt at financial gain.
“Having recently failed in another matter against Mr. Perry, the very same lawyer has now made yet another demand from more than a decade ago, which will also be a failed money grab,” Spiro stated. The defense maintains that the allegations are meritless and intended only to tarnish Perry's long-standing reputation in the industry.
A Growing Conversation on Hollywood Power Dynamics
As the legal battle unfolds, it reignites the difficult conversation regarding the power imbalances that often exist between powerful directors and aspiring actors. While Perry has not been charged with any crime and denies all accusations, the back-to-back nature of these lawsuits has certainly shifted the public eye toward the inner workings of his production empire.
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