Tyler Perry is pushing back against allegations in a $77 million lawsuit filed by an aspiring actor, denying the claims and calling the case an attempt to obtain money.
In a court response filed Feb. 27 in Los Angeles County Superior Court, Perry denied “each and every allegation” brought by Mario Rodriguez and outlined multiple defenses. His attorneys argue the complaint does not present valid legal claims and maintain that any interactions between the two men were consensual.
The filing also alleges that Rodriguez previously sought financial help from Perry on several occasions. According to the response, Rodriguez had a “very minor role” in Perry’s 2016 film Boo! A Madea Halloween and later asked for assistance with expenses, including housing, medical services, and unpaid bills.
Perry’s legal team described the lawsuit as a “money grab” that surfaced after he allegedly stopped providing financial support.
Rodriguez’s lawsuit offers a different account. He claims Perry made unwanted advances and sexually assaulted him after inviting him to discuss potential acting opportunities. Rodriguez alleges that during one encounter in 2018, Perry grabbed him despite being asked to stop.
Rodriguez is seeking $77 million in damages. Perry has also moved to transfer the case to federal court as the legal battle continues.