Tyler Perry Sued For $77M As Madea Movie Actor Alleges Assault |

Mario Rodriguez, who appeared in ‘Boo! A Madea Halloween,’ is the second actor to sue Tyler Perry. Rodriguez, just like the earlier plaintiff, is alleging the filmmaker and studio mogul used his energy in Hollywood to make sexual advances. The actor filed the lawsuit on Thursday (Dec. 25) in California.

RELATED: Tyler Perry Accuser Derek Dixon Details Alleged Sexual Assault In First Interview Amid $260M Lawsuit (VIDEO)

What Is Mario Rodriguez Claiming In His Lawsuit?

Rodriguez claims Tyler Perry subjected him to repeated undesirable sexual advances over a number of years. One of mentioned incidents was allegedly sexual battery and assault at Perry’s Los Angeles dwelling. Rodriguez’s lawsuit contains claims of sexual assault, sexual battery and intentional infliction of emotional misery. He is looking for no less than $77 million in damages.

According to the grievance, Mario Rodriguez was approached in 2014 by a coach at an Equinox health club in Los Angeles. The coach allegedly mentioned Perry needed his cellphone quantity to debate an appearing position. Perry later inspired Rodriguez to audition for ‘Boo! A Madea Halloween,’ telling him, “I’m not a nasty particular person to know and have in your nook,” the lawsuit claims.

After Rodriguez acquired his position within the Madea movie, he was invited to Tyler Perry’s dwelling. While there, Perry allegedly touched Mario inappropriately whereas they watched a film. The lawsuit describes further alleged incidents in 2016, 2018 and 2019. During one encounter, Tyler Perry allegedly tried to unbuckle Rodriguez’s pants and through one other the filmmaker positioned Rodriguez’s hand on his genitals The grievance says Perry gave Rodriguez $5,000 on a number of events following the encounters.

Mario can also be suing Lionsgate, which distributed the 2016 movie. Rodriguez is accusing the studio of turning a blind eye to Perry’s alleged misconduct. Lionsgate didn’t instantly reply to an electronic mail looking for remark, according to the Associated Press.

Tyler Perry’s Lawyer Shuts Down Mario Rodriguez’s Allegations

In a press release to Variety, Tyler Perry’s lawyer, Alex Spiro, denied the allegations.

“Having not too long ago failed in one other matter towards Mr. Perry, the exact same lawyer has now made yet one more demand from greater than a decade in the past which may even be a failed cash seize.”

Mario Says Seeing Derek Dixon’s Lawsuit Inspired Him To Come Forward

Additionally, Mario Rodriguez says he resisted Tyler Perry’s advances. Ultimately, he determined to sue Perry after studying of comparable allegations made by one other actor, Derek Dixon. Dixon sued Tyler Perry in June. He alleged the filmmaker groped him whereas Dixon labored on Perry’s tv sequence ‘The Oval’ and ‘Ruthless.’ That lawsuit was initially filed in Los Angeles Superior Court. However, it has reportedly since been moved to federal courtroom in Georgia, the place Perry’s studio relies.