Tyler Perry Faces Second Sexual Assault Lawsuit in 2025: Aspiring Actor Mario Rodriguez Alleges Abuse, Seeks $77 Million
Tyler Perry, the filmmaker behind the Madea films and hit shows like The Oval, is facing another sexual assault lawsuit. On December 26, 2025, aspiring actor Mario Rodriguez filed a complaint in California state court, accusing Perry of unwanted sexual advances and abuse across several years, including incidents at Perry’s Los Angeles home. Rodriguez is seeking $77 million in damages.
This is the second lawsuit against Perry in 2025, following a previous claim by actor Derek Dixon in October. The allegations have reignited discussions about power dynamics, accountability, and safety for aspiring actors in Hollywood.
What Mario Rodriguez Claims Happened
Mario Rodriguez, 28, has appeared in small roles in Perry’s Boo! A Madea Halloween (2016), The Family Business, and has also worked as a model. According to the lawsuit, Perry allegedly used his influence to lure Rodriguez with promises of acting opportunities.
The complaint details multiple alleged incidents:
- 2014: A gym trainer at Equinox in Los Angeles told Rodriguez Perry wanted his phone number to discuss an acting role. That same day, Perry allegedly called and encouraged him to audition for Boo! A Madea Halloween, saying, “You know Mario, I’m not a bad person to know and have in your corner.”
- 2014–2016: After auditioning, Rodriguez was invited to Perry’s Los Angeles home, where Perry allegedly touched him inappropriately during private encounters. Rodriguez reportedly resisted but faced pressure, including offers of money in exchange for compliance.
- 2018: Perry allegedly invited Rodriguez to dinner at Mastro’s Steakhouse, followed by a trip to his home, where the filmmaker is accused of tightly hugging Rodriguez and attempting to unbuckle his pants, including grabbing his penis.
- 2019: Another incident allegedly involved Perry placing Rodriguez’s hand on his own penis and offering financial incentives, which Rodriguez declined.
- October 2025: Derek Dixon lawsuit brings renewed attention to Perry’s practices.
Rodriguez claims these experiences caused emotional distress, anxiety, and professional setbacks.
Damages and Legal Claims
Rodriguez is seeking at least $77 million, including:
- $50 million for punitive damages
- $20 million for emotional distress
- $7 million for lost wages and opportunities
The lawsuit lists claims for sexual assault, sexual battery, and intentional infliction of emotional distress. Additionally, Rodriguez names Lionsgate, which distributed Boo! A Madea Halloween, alleging they ignored Perry’s alleged misconduct.
The lawsuit lists claims for sexual assault, sexual battery, and intentional infliction of emotional distress. Additionally, Rodriguez names Lionsgate, which distributed Boo! A Madea Halloween, alleging they ignored Perry’s alleged misconduct.
Tyler Perry’s Response
Alex Spiro, a lawyer for Perry, denied the allegations, stating:
“Having recently failed in another matter against Mr. Perry, the very same lawyer has now made yet another demand from more than a decade ago which will also be a failed money grab.”
Perry’s team plans to vigorously defend him, calling the claims “baseless” and “extortionate.” Perry himself has not commented publicly.
“extortionate.” Perry himself has not commented publicly.
Context: Derek Dixon’s Lawsuit
Earlier in 2025, actor Derek Dixon filed a $260 million lawsuit against Perry, alleging sexual assault during a 2023 audition. Dixon claimed Perry pinned him against a wall and groped him. That case is ongoing, now in federal court in Georgia.
Both lawsuits highlight alleged patterns of abuse: private meetings, leveraging power, and targeting aspiring male actors. Legal experts note that repeated allegations could increase scrutiny and potentially encourage additional accusers to come forward.
Broader Implications
- Legal Process: Rodriguez is pursuing claims in California; Perry may push for dismissal or arbitration. Settlements remain possible.
- Impact on Perry: Potential reputational damage, scrutiny of Hollywood power dynamics, and possible project delays.
- Hollywood Context: The cases underscore ongoing #MeToo issues, particularly around the exploitation of aspiring actors.
- Public Reaction: Social media is divided; some defend Perry’s philanthropy, while others call for accountability.
Quick Personal Facts About Tyler Perry
| Category | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Emmitt Perry Jr. (legally changed to Tyler Perry at age 16) |
| Date of Birth | September 13, 1969 |
| Age | 56 (as of 2025) |
| Place of Birth | New Orleans, Louisiana, U.S. |
| Mother | Willie Maxine Perry (née Campbell), died December 8, 2009 |
| Father | Emmitt Perry Sr. (not biological father, abusive) |
| Siblings | Three siblings |
| Childhood | Experienced abuse from father and others, molested at age 10 by friend’s mother; molested by three men during childhood |
| Education | Did not complete high school; earned GED |
| Religious Belief | Christian |
| Mental Health | Has spoken about struggles with depression and past suicide attempts |
| Partner(s) | Gelila Bekele (2009–2020) |
| Children | 1 son, Aman (born 2014) |
| Notable Godparent Role | Godfather to Princess Lilibet of Sussex |
| Friendships | Close with Janet Jackson, Will Smith, and Oprah Winfrey |
| Residences | Southwest Atlanta (operates Tyler Perry Studios), Buckhead (17-acre estate, sold 2016), Dean Gardens (58-acre estate, Johns Creek, GA), New Manchester, GA (1,100 acres), Mulholland Estates, Los Angeles (bought & sold 2017), vacation properties in Wyoming and The Bahamas, 2,100-acre estate in Douglasville, GA with château-style house and airstrip |
| Early Career | Inspired by Oprah Winfrey Show to start writing; wrote letters to himself that became basis for first musical “I Know I’ve Been Changed” |
| Stage Career | Started performing plays in Atlanta in early 1990s; toured “Chitlin’ Circuit”; created Madea character; sold millions in tickets, merchandise, and videos |
| Film Career | Debut: “Diary of a Mad Black Woman” (2005); directed Madea films, Daddy’s Little Girls, Why Did I Get Married?, Meet the Browns, Alex Cross, Gone Girl, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Out of the Shadows, Don’t Look Up, and more |
| Television Career | Created Tyler Perry’s House of Payne (TBS), Meet the Browns (TBS), The Haves and the Have Nots (OWN), Love Thy Neighbor (OWN), The Oval (BET), Sistas (BET+), If Loving You Is Wrong (OWN), Tyler Perry’s Finding Joy (Amazon Prime) |
| Film Partnerships | Lionsgate Entertainment; owns Tyler Perry Films |
| Tyler Perry Studios | 330-acre former Fort McPherson military base in Atlanta; largest U.S. film studio owned by African American; houses standing sets, sound stages named after African Americans, filmed “Black Panther” on one stage |
| Books | “Don’t Make a Black Woman Take Off Her Earrings” (2006), “Higher Is Waiting” (2017) |
| Awards & Honors | Forbes highest-paid man in entertainment (2011), Time 100 most influential (2020), Governor’s Award (Academy of Television Arts & Sciences, 2020), Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award (Oscars, 2021), Black Music & Entertainment Walk of Fame inductee |
| Philanthropy | Scholarships, disaster relief, sponsored children’s trips (e.g., Walt Disney World, 2009) |
| Hobbies & Interests | Flying (private pilot certificate), Christian-themed writing, gospel music, theater, writing scripts independently, mentoring actors, collecting real estate and estates |
| Legal & Controversy | Sexual assault lawsuits (Derek Dixon, Mario Rodriguez); Writers Guild dispute; threatened legal action against Mo’ Money Taxes ad; critical discussion of film stereotypes; parodies of Madea in media |
| Category | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Emmitt Perry Jr. (legally changed to Tyler Perry at age 16) |
| Date of Birth | September 13, 1969 |
| Age | 56 (as of 2025) |
| Place of Birth | New Orleans, Louisiana, U.S. |
| Mother | Willie Maxine Perry (née Campbell), died December 8, 2009 |
| Father | Emmitt Perry Sr. (not biological father, abusive) |
| Siblings | Three siblings |
| Childhood | Experienced abuse from father and others, molested at age 10 by friend’s mother; molested by three men during childhood |
| Education | Did not complete high school; earned GED |
| Religious Belief | Christian |
| Mental Health | Has spoken about struggles with depression and past suicide attempts |
| Partner(s) | Gelila Bekele (2009–2020) |
| Children | 1 son, Aman (born 2014) |
| Notable Godparent Role | Godfather to Princess Lilibet of Sussex |
| Friendships | Close with Janet Jackson, Will Smith, and Oprah Winfrey |
| Residences | Southwest Atlanta (operates Tyler Perry Studios), Buckhead (17-acre estate, sold 2016), Dean Gardens (58-acre estate, Johns Creek, GA), New Manchester, GA (1,100 acres), Mulholland Estates, Los Angeles (bought & sold 2017), vacation properties in Wyoming and The Bahamas, 2,100-acre estate in Douglasville, GA with château-style house and airstrip |
| Early Career | Inspired by Oprah Winfrey Show to start writing; wrote letters to himself that became basis for first musical “I Know I’ve Been Changed” |
| Stage Career | Started performing plays in Atlanta in early 1990s; toured “Chitlin’ Circuit”; created Madea character; sold millions in tickets, merchandise, and videos |
| Film Career | Debut: “Diary of a Mad Black Woman” (2005); directed Madea films, Daddy’s Little Girls, Why Did I Get Married?, Meet the Browns, Alex Cross, Gone Girl, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Out of the Shadows, Don’t Look Up, and more |
| Television Career | Created Tyler Perry’s House of Payne (TBS), Meet the Browns (TBS), The Haves and the Have Nots (OWN), Love Thy Neighbor (OWN), The Oval (BET), Sistas (BET+), If Loving You Is Wrong (OWN), Tyler Perry’s Finding Joy (Amazon Prime) |
| Film Partnerships | Lionsgate Entertainment; owns Tyler Perry Films |
| Tyler Perry Studios | 330-acre former Fort McPherson military base in Atlanta; largest U.S. film studio owned by African American; houses standing sets, sound stages named after African Americans, filmed “Black Panther” on one stage |
| Books | “Don’t Make a Black Woman Take Off Her Earrings” (2006), “Higher Is Waiting” (2017) |
| Awards & Honors | Forbes highest-paid man in entertainment (2011), Time 100 most influential (2020), Governor’s Award (Academy of Television Arts & Sciences, 2020), Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award (Oscars, 2021), Black Music & Entertainment Walk of Fame inductee |
| Philanthropy | Scholarships, disaster relief, sponsored children’s trips (e.g., Walt Disney World, 2009) |
| Hobbies & Interests | Flying (private pilot certificate), Christian-themed writing, gospel music, theater, writing scripts independently, mentoring actors, collecting real estate and estates |
| Legal & Controversy | Sexual assault lawsuits (Derek Dixon, Mario Rodriguez); Writers Guild dispute; threatened legal action against Mo’ Money Taxes ad; critical discussion of film stereotypes; parodies of Madea in media |
FAQs
What specifically does Rodriguez allege happened during the 2018 incident?
Perry allegedly “tightly hugged” Rodriguez and attempted to unbuckle his pants, reaching into his underwear and grabbing his penis.
When did the alleged incidents begin?
Rodriguez first met Perry in 2015, and incidents occurred over several years, including notable events in 2018 and 2019.
What allegedly happened in Perry’s home screening room?
Perry allegedly put his hand on Rodriguez’s leg and rubbed his inner thigh near his penis, telling him, “It’s ok.”
What are the allegations in Derek Dixon’s lawsuit?
Dixon alleges that Perry grabbed his buttocks while intoxicated in June 2021 and sent repeated sexual text messages over several years.
