Tyler Perry is facing new developments in a lawsuit brought by actor Mario Rodriguez, who alleges the filmmaker made unwanted sexual advances toward him.
According to court documents, distributor Lionsgate is asking to be removed from the case, arguing that Rodriguez had only a minor role in Perry’s 2016 film Boo! A Madea Halloween.
In the filing, Lionsgate said Rodriguez “spent less than a week playing ‘Frat Guy #10’” in the movie and had acknowledged there was no misconduct during filming, and the company also argued that Rodriguez claims the alleged incident took place at Perry’s home, not on a film set or Lionsgate property.
Lionsgate said Rodriguez is suing the studio for negligent retention over “alleged sexual advances” that allegedly occurred “at Tyler’s private residence” and “years after the shoot wrapped.” The filing claims the lawsuit against the studio is “a transparent ploy” designed to keep the case in state court rather than federal court.
Rodriguez previously sued Perry and Lionsgate seeking $77 million in damages. He claims he first met Perry at a gym in 2015 and later received a small role in the Madea film.
Perry has denied the allegations. In a previous response, he said Rodriguez’s claims have “no basis in fact or law,” alleging that Rodriguez repeatedly asked him for money for “his car, apartment, and medical bills” before filing the lawsuit.