On December 26, 2025, the entertainment industry was rocked as filmmaker and studio mogul Tyler Perry sued for sexual assault by a new accuser. Mario Rodriguez, an actor who appeared as “Frat Guy #10” in the 2016 film “Boo! A Madea Halloween,” filed the $77 million lawsuit in Los Angeles Superior Court. The complaint alleges a pattern of misconduct spanning several years, marking the second major legal challenge involving sexual assault allegations against Perry within the same calendar year.
“Boo! A Madea Halloween” Actor Alleges Repeated Misconduct
According to the legal filing, the Tyler Perry sued for sexual assault case began with an encounter at a Los Angeles gym in 2014. Rodriguez claims a trainer approached him, stating that Perry wanted his phone number to discuss potential acting opportunities. After being cast in the “Madea” franchise, Rodriguez alleges that Perry invited him to his home under the guise of mentorship. It was during these visits, specifically in 2016, 2018, and 2019, that Rodriguez claims Perry subjected him to unwanted sexual advances and physical battery.
Smoothly transitioning to the specific details of the complaint, Rodriguez alleges that Perry used his immense power in Hollywood to create a coercive environment. The lawsuit describes incidents in Perry’s home theater where the mogul allegedly touched Rodriguez inappropriately and attempted to unbuckle his pants. Furthermore, the plaintiff claims that Perry would apologize after these encounters and hand him cash payments of $5,000. Despite these payments, Rodriguez asserts that he repeatedly rejected the advances and struggled to escape the filmmaker’s physical reach.
Legal Defense and the Lionsgate Connection
In response to the news that Tyler Perry sued for sexual assault, his legal team has issued a fiery denial. Attorney Alex Spiro characterized the lawsuit as a “failed money grab” orchestrated by the same legal team that filed a $260 million suit against Perry earlier this year. According to People News, Perry’s lawyer maintains that the claims are fabricated and an attempt to shake down one of the most powerful figures in media. Perry has not been charged with any crime, and his team is confident that the case will fail in court.
The lawsuit notably also names Lionsgate, the distributor of the “Madea” films, as a defendant. Rodriguez alleges that the studio ignored “red flags” regarding Perry’s behavior while continuing to profit from his massive production empire. This second lawsuit follows a similar filing in June 2025 by actor Derek Dixon, who alleged workplace sexual harassment on the sets of “The Oval” and “Ruthless.” As the legal battles intensify, the industry remains focused on whether these civil claims will impact the future of Tyler Perry Studios and its expansive slate of upcoming projects.
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