Hollywood mogul Tyler Perry is fighting a $77 million sexual assault lawsuit from a former bit-part actor, who bombarded the billionaire with desperate pleas for money to cover medical bills just months before filing the explosive legal claim.
From Praise to Pleas: The Text Message Trail
Text messages obtained by the Daily Mail reveal a dramatic shift in tone from actor Mario Rodriguez towards the filmmaker. In November 2024, Rodriguez sent gushing messages of gratitude, writing: "Just know that I love you and I thank you for everything... You got my Mexican a** out of a lot of bad places." Perry responded warmly, calling him "my friend" and saying he was glad Rodriguez was doing well.
By August 2025, the correspondence had turned desperate. Rodriguez sent a series of emotionally charged texts, claiming he was sick, confused, and too "broke" to pay for medical treatment or dental work. "I don't want to get sepsis like my dad and pass away," he wrote, adding that he had no health insurance. Perry did not reply to these messages.
The Allegations: From Frat Guy #10 to Legal Battle
Rodriguez's lawsuit, filed in California, alleges that Perry, 56, groomed him without consent and subjected him to unwanted sexual advances. The actor claims he was given a small role as Frat Guy #10 in Perry's 2016 film 'Boo! A Madea Halloween' after a chance meeting.
According to the court documents, Rodriguez alleges that Perry invited him to his home repeatedly over subsequent years to discuss work. The suit details an incident in 2015 where Perry allegedly made "sexual grunting noises" while rubbing Rodriguez's chest. A more serious allegation claims that in November 2018, Perry "grabbed [Rodriguez's] penis" despite being told to stop, forcing Rodriguez to physically struggle to get away.
Rodriguez claims Perry told him, "If you were to just be with me, I would take care of you," and alleges that after two advances, Perry apologised, gave him $5,000, and dismissed him. The actor says he never received another acting job from Perry after rejecting his advances.
Perry's Defence and a Second Accuser
Tyler Perry has vigorously denied all allegations. His attorney, Alex Spiro, denounced the lawsuit as a "$77 million money grab scam," a sentiment echoed in response to a separate, larger claim.
Rodriguez is the second actor to sue Perry this year. Derek Dixon, who starred in Perry's TV shows 'The Oval' and 'Ruthless', is demanding $260 million for alleged "escalating sexual harassment, assault and battery." Both men are represented by the same lawyer, Jonathan J. Delshad.
In a legal filing for the Dixon case, Perry's team strongly denied the claims, stating: "Mr Perry never assaulted Dixon or committed any sexual battery." They labelled the suit a product of "greed and avarice."
Rodriguez alluded to his ordeal in an Instagram video in December, speaking of an assault by a "very big director" and saying fear had kept him silent. The outcome of these high-stakes lawsuits could have significant repercussions for Perry, whose empire includes the massive Tyler Perry Studios in Atlanta.
