Tyler Perry is adamantly and formally denying those headline-grabbing sexual assault accusations made by Mario Rodriguez in the actor’s $77 million lawsuit filed in late 2025.
In documents filed in Los Angeles County Superior Court on February 27, Perry’s legal team denied “each and every allegation” made by Rodriguez (pictured above).
Beyond describing the lawsuit as a fabricated attempt to extract money after he withdrew financial assistance from the actor, the 56-year-old mogul’s attorneys argue the complaint fails to state valid legal claims and that Mario did not suffer any actual damages.
Branding the suit a “money grab,” Rodriguez is represented by Jonathan J. Delshad – the same lawyer who also represented Derek Dixon in a separate, $260 million lawsuit against Perry for sexual harassment and assault (which the mogul also denied).
As previously reported, Tyler gave Mario a “very minor role” in 2016’s ‘Boo! A Madea Halloween’ film – which sparked the beginning of their professional relationship. According to Rodriguez, however, Perry later made unwanted advances including inappropriate physical contact during a 2018 encounter amid promises of future acting opportunities.
“Mr. Perry then put his hand on Mr. Rodriguez’s leg and began rubbing his inner thigh right next to his penis,” the complaint alleges.
Perry is now seeking to move the case to federal court.
