Tyler Perry’s Lawyer Calls $77 Million Sexual Assault Lawsuit a “Money Grab Scam”

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Warning: This article contains mentions of sexual assault.

Tyler Perry’s attorney, Alex Spiro, strongly believes his client is being unfairly targeted in a lawsuit seeking money. This comes after model and actor Mario Rodriguez, who appeared in Perry’s 2016 film Boo! A Madea Halloween, filed a $77 million lawsuit alleging sexual assault and emotional distress. Rodriguez filed the suit on Christmas Day, making him the second actor in the past year to accuse Perry of unwanted sexual advances. In June, Derek Dixon, an actor from Perry’s TV shows The Oval and Ruthless, filed a $260 million lawsuit, also citing a pattern of inappropriate behavior and unwanted advances.

Spiro stated in a December 29th statement, and reiterated a previous point, that the lawsuit is simply an attempt to get $77 million. Perry’s lawyers have also denied the accusations made by Dixon, previously telling reporters they are confident these claims of harassment are false and that Perry won’t be intimidated. Now, newly revealed text messages between Perry and Rodriguez are offering more insight into their conversations before the lawsuit was filed. Although the lawsuit claims Rodriguez stopped contacting Perry in 2019, the messages indicate they were still communicating as recently as August 2025.

Messages reportedly exchanged in November 2024 show Rodriguez repeatedly thanking Perry for helping him through difficult times. Later, texts from August 2025 allegedly detail Rodriguez contacting Perry about various health problems, including confusion, nausea, dental issues, and fears of a serious infection. Rodriguez supposedly explained he couldn’t afford to see a doctor due to a lack of health insurance and steady income. However, Rodriguez’s lawsuit states that Perry was the one who consistently contacted him throughout 2024, and that meetings between 2017 and 2019 involved Perry asking inappropriate questions and making unwanted physical contact.

The texts raise questions about what happened and the nature of Perry and Rodriguez’s relationship. However, the lawsuit still argues that Perry misused his influence to exploit Rodriguez after giving him acting roles, such as the part of ‘Frat Guy #10’ in Boo! A Madea Halloween.

Mario Rodriguez Responds To the Alleged Tyler Perry Texts


Lionsgate

Shortly after texts reportedly exchanged between Tyler Perry and Mario Rodriguez became public, Rodriguez issued a statement to People magazine, saying:

I want to address the recent discussions about me. Some people are highlighting past messages where I was kind or showed vulnerability, and they’re using those to try and undermine my experiences. It’s important to understand that when someone has power over your livelihood and future, it’s hard to feel safe. It’s common for people who have been hurt to remain polite or even ask for help when they’re struggling – that doesn’t mean the harm didn’t happen. I sent those messages to Perry during a particularly difficult time, which is clear if you look at the full context. Continuing to provide financial support or access isn’t proof that abuse didn’t occur; it’s often a tactic used to maintain control after abuse. Money can be used to ease guilt, avoid confrontation, or silence victims. Receiving financial help doesn’t negate the harm I experienced – it’s consistent with the complicated situation many survivors face.

Jonathan J. Delshad is the attorney for both Rodriguez and actor Derek Dixon. Rodriguez is known for his role in Boo! A Madea Halloween and also appeared in nine episodes of The Family Business on BET+. Tyler Perry continues to lead Tyler Perry Studios as its billionaire founder and owner, fully controlling the creative and financial aspects of the 330-acre Atlanta complex. Delshad has stated that Dixon’s legal case against Perry is moving from California to Georgia, while Rodriguez filed his lawsuit in Los Angeles County.

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If you or someone you know has experienced sexual assault, support is available. You can contact the RAINN hotline at 1-800-656-4673 or connect with someone online through their website.

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2025-12-30 21:35