Alleged sufferer says well mannered texts do not disprove abuse, as survivors typically keep cordial as a consequence of energy dynamics
Victim claims monetary help is just not inconsistent with abuse, typically a part of the complicated realities confronted
Victim reached out to Perry for assist with well being and monetary points earlier than submitting $77M lawsuit
New data has come out within the newest sexual assault lawsuit towards Tyler Perry.
Source: Paras Griffin / Getty
Mario Rodriguez, the person who has accused Perry of sexual assault and sexual battery, has responded following newly surfaced textual content messages between the pair.
“I need to briefly reply to what’s being stated about me proper now,” Rodriguez started in an announcement obtained by PEOPLE. “People are pointing to messages the place I used to be well mannered, grateful, or weak — and making an attempt to make use of that to discredit me.”
The mannequin filed a lawsuit towards the filmmaker on Dec. 25, alleging that Perry assaulted him and made undesirable sexual advances whereas promising him performing roles.
He continued, “When somebody has affect over your profession, your revenue, your future, you don’t be at liberty. Survivors typically keep cordial. They typically ask for assist once they really feel determined.”
“That doesn’t imply abuse didn’t occur,” Mario insisted. “Those textual content messages had been despatched to Perry at a time once I was particularly weak as may be seen from the context. Continued monetary assist and entry are usually not inconsistent with abuse—they’re typically a part of the ability dynamics that observe it.”
Rodriguez, who appeared in a minor position in Perry’s 2016 film Boo! A Madea Halloween, is now searching for $77 million in damages. Perry’s lawyer Alex Spiro advised PEOPLE when the swimsuit was filed that it’s “nothing however a 77 million greenback cash seize rip-off.”
Now, newly surfaced textual content messages present that Rodriguez referred to Perry as a “good friend” over Thanksgiving 2024, talking about his well being and monetary points to the filmmaker simply months earlier than submitting his lawsuit.
“Just know that I like you and I thanks for every part. I respect you to the moon,” certainly one of Rodriguez’s alleged texts to Perry learn. “You acquired my Mexican ass out of numerous unhealthy locations and I simply wanna let you know thanks.”
“I can’t purchase you something, however I simply wanna let you know that your boy proper right here appreciates you greater than something,” Rodriguez’s alleged textual content learn. “Straight from my coronary heart bro nothing I wouldn’t do for you man anyhow get pleasure from your time and I hope I see you once more quickly.”
Rodriguez went on to say in his assertion relating to the textual content messages: “In many conditions involving exploitation, cash can operate as a method to handle guilt, keep away from battle, or preserve silence. The existence of economic help doesn’t disprove hurt. It is completely according to the complicated realities survivors face after abuse.”
According to studies from Page Six, Rodriguez allegedly contacted Perry again in August to say he was struggling financially amid unspecified well being points earlier than asking for cash.
“Brother haven’t been feeling okay confused and lil nauseous I acquired blood work thinks its my tooth I do know it’s none of what you are promoting idk what do I do know I promised you I’d by no means ask you for something, however whether it is what I feel it’s, I don’t suppose I may do it alone as a result of I barely pay my payments,” Rodriguez allegedly texted Perry on Aug. 31.
He allegedly went on to confess he was “scared af,” saying he didn’t need to “get sepsis like [his] dad and move away…really feel sick most days by no means advised anyone this however my mother and all people is beginning to discover my broke ass. Don’t have insurance coverage. i’d by no means deceive you, however I feel that’s what improper.”
“I simply can’t go to the physician as a result of l can’t even afford it. I don’t need something. I simply wanna be OK. scared brother,” he concluded, per the outlet. It’s unclear if Perry responded.
Rodriguez is being represented by lawyer Jonathan J. Delshad, who represented Derek Dixon, one other actor who made related allegations towards Perry in June 2025. Perry has additionally denied these claims.
