Tyler Perry sued for $77 million as actor from ‘Boo! Madea Halloween’ Alleges Sexual Abuse

Mario Rodriguezwho appeared in ‘Boo! Madea Halloween,’ is the second player to sue Tyler Perry. Rodriguez, as a former plaintiff, alleges the filmmaker and studio mogul used his power in Hollywood to commit sexual acts. The actor filed the lawsuit Thursday (Dec. 25) in California.

RELATED: Tyler Perry’s accuser Derek Dixon details sexual assault allegations in first interview amid $260M lawsuit (VIDEO)

What Does Mario Rodriguez Say In His Court?

Rodriguez claims that Tyler Perry sexually assaulted her repeatedly over several years. One of these incidents is said to be sexual assault and harassment at Perry’s home in Los Angeles. Rodriguez’s lawsuit includes claims of sexual assault, sexual battery and intentional infliction of emotional distress. He is seeking at least $77 million in damages.

According to the complaint, Mario Rodriguez was approached in 2014 by a trainer at the Equinox gym in Los Angeles. The coach is said to have said that Perry wanted his phone number to discuss the role. Perry later encouraged Rodriguez to do an interview for ‘Boo! Madea Halloween,’ she told him, “I’m not a bad person you don’t know and have in your corner,” lawsuit claims.

After Rodriguez got her role in the movie Madea, she was invited to Tyler Perry’s house. While there, Perry allegedly touched Mario inappropriately while they were watching a movie. The lawsuit details other alleged incidents in 2016, 2018 and 2019. In one incident, Tyler Perry allegedly tried to unbutton Rodriguez’s pants and when another filmmaker put Rodriguez’s hand on his private part, the complaint says Perry gave Rodriguez $5,000 several times after the encounter.

Mario also sued Lionsgate, which distributed the 2016 film. Rodriguez accuses the studio of ignoring allegations of misconduct by Perry. Lionsgate did not immediately respond to an email seeking comment, according to the Associated Press.

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

In a statement sent by Variety, Tyler Perry’s attorney, Alex Spiro, dismissed the allegations.

“Having recently failed in another case against Mr. Perry, this same attorney has made yet another unsuccessful motion for forfeiture over ten years ago.”

Mario Says Seeing Derek Dixon’s Case Motivated Him To Come Forward

In addition, Mario Rodriguez says he resisted Tyler Perry’s advances. Ultimately, he decided to sue Perry after hearing about similar allegations made by another actor, Derek Dixon. Dixon sued Tyler Perry in June. She alleges that the filmmaker groped her while Dixon was working on Perry’s television series ‘The Oval’ and ‘Ruthless.’ That case was filed in Los Angeles Superior Court. However, it has reportedly since been moved to federal court in Georgia, where Perry’s studio is based.

RELATED: Tyler Perry Donates $1.4M To Charities Through SNAP As Supreme Court Stops Order To Fully Fund Benefits

Contributing Entertainment Writer Jonathan Landrum Jr. contributed to this report via AP Newsroom.