Tyler Perry Sued Again Over Sexual Assault Allegations
Hollywood filmmaker and actor Tyler Perry is facing a second civil lawsuit alleging sexual assault, sexual battery and emotional distress, this time from an actor who appeared in the 2016 comedy Boo! A Madea Halloween. The complaint was filed on December 25, 2025, in California state court, and seeks at least $77 million in damages.
The plaintiff, Mario Rodriguez, who had a minor role in the Madea film, claims that Perry made unwanted sexual advances over a span of several years, starting around the time he was cast and continuing in subsequent encounters. According to the suit, some of the alleged incidents occurred at Perry’s Los Angeles home, where Rodriguez says Perry engaged in inappropriate physical contact that he did not consent to.
Rodriguez’s lawsuit also names Lionsgate, the distributor of Boo! A Madea Halloween, alleging the studio ignored or failed to address Perry’s purported misconduct.
Allegations Detailed in the Lawsuit
The court filings outline multiple instances in which Rodriguez claims Perry made unwelcome advances, including inappropriate touching and contact. In one cited instance, Perry is accused of placing Rodriguez’s hand on his own genitals, and in another, the complaint says Perry offered money after encounters. The suit brings claims of sexual assault, battery and intentional infliction of emotional distress tied to these events.
Rodriguez’s attorneys also connect this lawsuit to another high-profile case. Earlier in 2025, actor Derek Dixon filed a separate lawsuit against Perry alleging sexual harassment and assault related to his work on Perry’s TV shows The Oval and Ruthless. That suit sought a much larger sum — $260 million — and was previously reported to have moved from state to federal court.
Perry and Lionsgate Deny the Claims
Tyler Perry’s legal team has denied the new lawsuit’s allegations, with attorney Alex Spiro calling it a “money grab” and dismissing the claim as unfounded. Perry himself has not been criminally charged in connection with either lawsuit.
At the time of reporting, Lionsgate had not issued a public comment on the lawsuit.
Context: Two Lawsuits in One Year
The latest filing underscores a turbulent period for Tyler Perry legally. The first lawsuit earlier this year alleged sexual misconduct by actor Derek Dixon, followed by the current suit from Mario Rodriguez tied to Boo! A Madea Halloween. Both cases claim the filmmaker used his influence and industry status inappropriately, though Perry has consistently denied wrongdoing.
These lawsuits are civil in nature, meaning they seek financial damages and judgment from a court rather than criminal prosecution by the state. The outcomes will depend on how evidence is presented in court and whether the plaintiffs can persuade a judge or jury of their claims.
What Comes Next
As the legal process unfolds, the case will likely involve testimony, evidence exchange (discovery), and potential motions from both sides. Because the lawsuit names Lionsgate alongside Perry, it raises questions about corporate responsibility and whether studios can be held accountable for alleged misconduct by talent they work with.
Both lawsuits this year highlight broader discussions in the entertainment industry about power dynamics, exploitation and accountability — issues that have been the focus of public debate in recent years in Hollywood.
