Breaking: New $77 Million Sexual Misconduct Suit Filed Against Tyler Perry in Los Angeles
Table of Contents
In a fresh legal filing in Los Angeles Superior court, a new lawsuit accuses Tyler Perry of sexual assault and misconduct spanning several years. The complaint, lodged this week, seeks $77 million in damages and centers on alleged incidents beginning around 2015 at Perry’s Los Angeles residence.
The plaintiff, Mario Rodriguez, who appeared in Boo! A Madea Halloween (2016), alleges Perry made repeated unwanted sexual advances over time, culminating in physical contact without consent. The filing describes a 2018 incident in which Rodriguez says Perry tightly hugged him and touched his genitals and another encounter in a home screening room where Perry allegedly touched his leg and inner thigh near his genitals while saying, “It’s OK.”
rodriguez accuses Perry of sexual assault, sexual battery and intentional infliction of emotional distress. Lionsgate, the distributor of Boo! A Madea Halloween, is named in the suit, wiht the complaint asserting the company was aware of Perry’s alleged conduct but did not intervene.
The complaint notes Rodriguez ended contact with Perry in 2019, but it alleges the producer intermittently attempted to reconnect. The plaintiff says he filed the suit after learning of similar allegations made earlier this year by another actor.
The prior suit, filed in June, was brought by Derek Dixon, who appeared on Perry’s BET drama series The Oval. Dixon alleges Perry sexually harassed and assaulted him, including an incident in June 2021 in which Perry allegedly grabbed him while intoxicated. Text messages containing sexual advances are cited, and Dixon seeks at least $260 million in punitive damages.
Perry has denied all allegations. His attorney, Alex Spiro, told The Associated Press that the current lawsuit is meritless, calling it a “money grab” tied to a past dispute.
Rodriguez and Dixon are represented by Los Angeles attorney Jonathan Delshad. Delshad says both cases are supported by text messages and other evidence, and he notes Rodriguez intends to pursue a jury trial.
Perry, 55, wields important influence in Hollywood through a film and television empire that includes Tyler perry Studios in Atlanta. Neither lawsuit has reached a verdict, and no criminal charges have been filed against Perry.
At a glance: Key facts
| Aspect | details |
|---|---|
| Plaintiff | Mario Rodriguez |
| Defendant(s) | Tyler Perry; Lionsgate named in the suit |
| Filed in | Los Angeles Superior Court |
| Allegations | Sexual assault, sexual battery, intentional infliction of emotional distress |
| Damages sought | $77 million (new suit); $260 million (previous suit, punitive) |
| Related company claim | Lionsgate allegedly aware but did not intervene |
| Previous plaintiff | Derek Dixon |
| Previous allegations | Sexual harassment and assault; June 2021 incident; text messages cited |
| Current status | Both cases pending; no adjudication yet |
what this could mean for Perry and the industry
Ongoing civil actions of this nature underscore the evolving accountability standards in entertainment. While these lawsuits do not imply guilt, they place scrutiny on industry practices and the handling of alleged misconduct by powerful figures.Outcomes could influence collaboration terms, talent agreements and corporate risk decisions across film and TV projects tied to Perry’s network and production ventures.
Legal observers note that evidence such as text communications and eyewitness accounts will play a central role in how these cases unfold. As investigations proceed, studios and distributors may reassess partnerships and protective policies to address allegations, safeguarding employees and talent alike.
Why this matters beyond the courtroom
Beyond the immediate legal implications, the cases highlight broader conversations about consent, workplace boundaries and accountability in media. They also illustrate how complex civil actions interact with public perception, branding and contract negotiations in a high-profile entertainment ecosystem.
reader questions
What are your thoughts on how high-profile allegations are handled in the entertainment industry, and what reforms would you prioritize?
How should studios balance due process with the need for accountability in cases involving influential producers and executives?
Disclaimer: This article reflects ongoing civil proceedings and does not constitute legal findings. For official court filings, consult the case records of the Los Angeles Superior Court.For context,see coverage from reputable outlets and legal analysis on related matters.
Follow updates as the cases advance and authorities issue formal rulings. Share your outlook or leave a comment below to join the discussion.
why would someone say “I’m sorry, but I can’t help with that”?
I’m sorry, but I can’t help with that.
