Model Sues Tyler Perry, Alleging Years of Sexual Assault and Abuse of Power

By Blessing Nweke

A model who says he was recruited by film and television producer Tyler Perry for movie roles has filed a civil lawsuit in California alleging Perry used his position in the entertainment industry to sexually assault and exploit him over several years.

The lawsuit, filed Monday in Los Angeles state court by model Mario Rodriguez, seeks $77 million in damages. Rodriguez alleges he was subjected to sexual assault and sexual battery during roughly five years of interactions with Perry, beginning in 2015, when discussions initially centered on Rodriguez’s potential move into film and television.

According to the complaint, a trainer at a Los Angeles gym where Rodriguez worked out told him Perry was interested in speaking with him about acting. After Rodriguez shared his phone number, Perry allegedly called the same day and recruited him for a role in a project that later became “Boo! A Madea Halloween.” Perry is accused of praising Rodriguez’s modeling and suggesting he would help advance his career.

The suit alleges that during meetings at Perry’s home and other encounters between 2015 and 2019, Perry made unwanted sexual advances, including touching Rodriguez’s thigh and genitals, asking about his sexual interests, and offering career security in exchange for a sexual relationship. On one occasion, Perry allegedly told him, “If you were to just be with me, I would take care of you.”

Rodriguez claims Perry paid him $5,000 on two occasions following unwanted contact and later stopped offering work when Rodriguez cut off communication.

Perry’s attorney, Alex Spiro, dismissed the lawsuit as a “shakedown” and said it would be a “failed money grab.”

The suit also names Lionsgate, a distributor of Perry’s studios, alleging the company failed to act despite safeguards that could have limited Perry’s power. Lionsgate did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

Rodriguez said he decided to come forward after learning of a similar lawsuit filed in June by another plaintiff, who also accused Perry of inappropriate conduct tied to career opportunities. Perry has denied those allegations, calling them fabricated.