New Legal Trouble for Tyler Perry: Second Actor Alleges Pattern of Sexual Misconduct
The entertainment industry is reeling following the filing of a major new lawsuit against billionaire filmmaker and studio mogul Tyler Perry. On Thursday, December 26, 2025, actor and model Mario Rodriguez filed a civil complaint in California, accusing Perry of multiple instances of sexual assault and battery spanning several years. This marks the second high profile lawsuit in recent months to level serious allegations of sexual misconduct against the creator of the "Madea" franchise, raising questions about a potential pattern of behavior within his Hollywood empire.
Mario Rodriguez, who had a small role as "Frat Guy #10" in Perry’s 2016 film "Boo! A Madea Halloween," is seeking at least $77 million in damages. The complaint also names Lionsgate, the distributor of the film, as a defendant, accusing the studio of "turning a blind eye" to Perry’s alleged actions. Rodriguez’s legal team, led by attorney Jonathan J. Delshad, argues that Perry used his immense power and influence to manipulate young, aspiring actors into uncomfortable and non consensual sexual situations under the guise of career advancement.
Details of the Allegations
According to court documents, the relationship began in 2014 when Rodriguez was working out at an Equinox gym in Los Angeles. A personal trainer allegedly approached him, stating that Tyler Perry wanted his phone number to discuss potential acting roles. After a subsequent phone call where Perry reportedly told Rodriguez, "I’m not a bad person to know and have in your corner," Rodriguez was cast in the 2016 Madea film.
The lawsuit describes a series of disturbing encounters at Perry’s Los Angeles residence. Rodriguez alleges that during their first meeting at the home, Perry touched him inappropriately while they were watching a movie. The complaint goes on to detail further incidents in 2016, 2018, and 2019. In one specific allegation from 2018, the lawsuit claims Perry attempted to unbuckle Rodriguez’s pants and forcibly placed the actor’s hand on his own genitals. Following these encounters, the complaint alleges that Perry gave Rodriguez $5,000 in cash on multiple occasions a gesture the lawsuit characterizes as an attempt to maintain silence or "pay off" the victim.
A Growing Legal Storm
The filing of Rodriguez’s lawsuit comes just months after another actor, Derek Dixon, filed a staggering $260 million lawsuit against Perry in June 2025. Dixon, who appeared in 85 episodes of Perry’s TV drama "The Oval," alleged a "coercive and sexually exploitative dynamic" during his time working at Tyler Perry Studios. He claimed that Perry threatened to "kill off" his character if he did not comply with sexual demands.
Rodriguez stated that he only felt comfortable coming forward after seeing the news of Dixon’s lawsuit. In a vulnerable video posted to his social media followers shortly before the filing, Rodriguez expressed feelings of shame and regret, saying, "It could’ve stopped with me if I would’ve said something... but I’m speaking up now." The fact that both actors are represented by the same attorney has become a focal point for Perry’s defense team.
The Defense Response
Tyler Perry’s legal representatives have been swift and forceful in their denial of the allegations. Attorney Alex Spiro issued a statement on Friday, December 27, dismissing the lawsuit as a "failed money grab." Spiro’s statement suggested that the lawyer involved is recycling old, unsubstantiated demands from more than a decade ago to target a high net worth individual. Perry’s team has previously described the similar claims by Derek Dixon as a "shakedown" and a "scam" designed to exploit Perry’s celebrity status.
Lionsgate has yet to issue a formal response to the claims that they were complicit in or ignored misconduct. However, the legal pressure on both the studio and the mogul is mounting as the case moves toward the discovery phase. While Derek Dixon's case was recently moved from California to federal court in Georgia where Tyler Perry Studios is headquartered the Rodriguez case remains a significant legal threat in the California court system.
Impact on a Billion Dollar Legacy
Tyler Perry is one of the most successful figures in the history of cinema, being the first Black filmmaker to fully own a major production studio. His "Madea" films alone have grossed over $600 million, and his partnership with networks like BET has produced dozens of television series. For years, Perry has been praised as a beacon of independence and empowerment in the Black community.
However, these dual lawsuits represent a significant challenge to that legacy. The allegations of "quid pro quo" harassment where career opportunities are allegedly dangled as bait for sexual favors strike at the heart of the "mentorship" image Perry has carefully cultivated. As more details emerge from these legal filings, the industry is watching closely to see if these cases will lead to a broader reckoning within the Atlanta based production house.