Tyler Perry has been accused of sexual harassment and sexual assault in a new lawsuit filed by an actor who says the media mogul abused his power and created a coercive, sexually exploitative environment. The complaint adds to mounting legal and reputational pressure on the filmmaker, who has publicly denied similar allegations in a separate $260 million case earlier this year.
Inside the New Sexual Harassment and Assault Claims
In the most recent lawsuit, model and aspiring actor Mario Rodriguez alleges that Perry subjected him to repeated unwanted sexual advances and groping over several years, often at Perry’s Los Angeles home. The suit claims Perry allegedly hugged him tightly, grabbed his genitals, and tried to initiate sexual contact while promising career opportunities tied to Perry’s film projects.
Rodriguez, who had a minor role in “Boo! A Madea Halloween,” is seeking at least $77 million in damages and has also named Lionsgate as a defendant, accusing the studio of turning a blind eye to Perry’s alleged conduct. The filing accuses Perry of sexual assault, sexual battery and intentional infliction of emotional distress, describing a long pattern of boundary-crossing encounters that allegedly left Rodriguez traumatized.
How This Fits With Derek Dixon’s $260 Million Case
The new complaint lands months after actor Derek Dixon, who appeared on Perry’s series “The Oval” and “Ruthless,” sued the producer for $260 million, alleging a “continuous pattern of workplace sexual harassment, assault, and retaliation.” Dixon claims Perry promised to boost his career and produce his pilot script, then escalated from sexually suggestive messages to alleged groping and an assault at Perry’s residence when Dixon was intoxicated.
According to Dixon’s filing, Perry allegedly leveraged his control over employment, pay and creative opportunities to pressure him into a coercive dynamic, and retaliated professionally when Dixon resisted. The suit accuses Perry of quid pro quo sexual harassment, sexual battery, hostile work environment and intentional infliction of emotional distress, and it seeks a jury trial.
Perry’s Legal Team Calls Allegations a “Scam” and “Money Grab”
Perry has strongly denied the accusations in the earlier Dixon case, with his attorney Matthew Boyd calling the claims “fabricated” and describing the lawsuit as a “scam” motivated by greed and a desire for a big payout. Court filings assert that Perry never assaulted Dixon, never used promises of pay raises or production deals to manipulate him, and that the actor is allegedly exploiting their professional relationship.
In response to the new Rodriguez lawsuit, Perry’s legal representatives have similarly framed the case as a “money grab,” arguing that the accusations distort friendly interactions and that the filmmaker looks forward to defending himself in court. His team has also challenged jurisdiction and contractual issues in the Dixon case, seeking dismissal while signaling that Perry intends to “refute each and every false accusation.”
What’s at Stake for Tyler Perry’s Brand and Studios
With two high-profile civil cases now in play, Perry faces not only hundreds of millions in potential damages but also intense scrutiny of the culture at Tyler Perry Studios and on his productions. Legal experts note that overlapping allegations from different actors could influence public perception, even before any jury reaches a verdict.
As someone who has long admired the scale of his studio success, it’s unsettling to watch these stories unfold and to see fans torn between their love for Perry’s work and concern for the people alleging harm. Until the courts sort through the evidence, the lawsuits are still allegations—not criminal convictions—but they’ve already started to reshape the public conversation around power, consent and accountability in Perry’s orbit.
A Careful Reminder About Allegations
All of the incidents described in these civil complaints are allegations at this stage, and Tyler Perry has categorically denied wrongdoing through his attorneys. No court has yet ruled on the truth of the claims, and both sides will have the chance to present evidence as these cases move forward.
