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Tyler Perry “Shush!” A Madea Halloween cast member is suing for sexual assault, the second lawsuit in recent months accusing the filmmaker and studio mogul of using his power Hollywood Make sexual advances.
Mario Rodriguez filed a lawsuit in California on Thursday alleging that Perry subjected him to unwanted sexual advances over the years, including sexual battery and assault at Perry’s home Los Angeles Home. Rodriguez seeks at least $77 million in damages, files lawsuit LionsgateThe company, which released the 2016 film, accused the studio of turning a blind eye to Perry’s alleged misconduct.
Lionsgate did not immediately respond to an email seeking comment.
Perry’s attorney denied the allegations in a statement.
In 2014, a trainer at an Equinox gym in Los Angeles approached Rodriguez and said Perry wanted his phone number so he could discuss an acting role, according to the complaint. Perry later encouraged Rodriguez to audition for “Hush! Madea Halloween,” telling him, “I’m not a bad person and I’m worth knowing and supporting you,” the lawsuit states.
After Rodriguez was drafted, he was invited to Perry’s home, where Perry allegedly touched him inappropriately while they were watching a movie. The lawsuit describes other alleged incidents in 2016, 2018 and 2019, including one time Perry allegedly tried to unbutton Rodriguez’s pants and another time Perry placed Rodriguez’s hands on his genitals. After the encounter, Perry offered Rodriguez $5,000 multiple times, the complaint states.
Rodriguez said he rejected the offers and ultimately decided to sue after learning of similar accusations from another actor, Derek Dixon.
Dixon sued Perry in June, accusing Perry of groping him while filming Perry’s TV series “The Oval” and “Heartless.” The lawsuit was reportedly initially filed in Los Angeles Superior Court and later transferred to federal court. Georgiahome to Perry’s studio.
Rodriguez’s lawsuit includes charges of sexual assault, sexual battery and intentional infliction of emotional distress.