Filmmaker and media mogul Tyler Perry is facing new allegations of sexual assault, brought forth by actor Mario Rodriguez, who appeared in Perry’s 2016 movie “Boo! A Madea Halloween.” Rodriguez filed a lawsuit in Los Angeles Superior Court, alleging that Perry assaulted him on multiple occasions over several years at Perry’s Los Angeles home. The complaint details unwanted sexual advances, including a 2018 incident where Perry allegedly “tightly hugged” him and “grabbed his penis.” Rodriguez, known for his role as “Frat Guy #10” in the film, is suing for sexual assault, sexual battery, and intentional infliction of emotional distress, and is also bringing a claim against Lionsgate, the distributor of “Boo! A Madea Halloween,” for allegedly disregarding Perry’s actions. He is seeking at least $77 million in damages.

The lawsuit further describes an alleged incident from a few months after their initial meeting in 2015, occurring in Perry’s home screening room. During this alleged encounter, “Mr. Perry then put his hand on Mr. Rodriguez’s leg and began rubbing his inner thigh right next to his penis. Mr. Perry told Mr. Rodriguez ‘It’s ok,’ while he continued to rub his thigh.” Rodriguez claims that contact between the two ceased in 2019, but Perry would periodically reach out thereafter. Rodriguez stated that he was motivated to file his claim against Perry after becoming aware of reports concerning a separate lawsuit filed earlier this year by actor Derek Dixon.

Derek Dixon, an actor who appeared in 85 episodes of Perry’s BET series “The Oval,” previously accused the filmmaker of sexual harassment and assault. Dixon’s lawsuit, filed in June, alleges that while he was staying at Perry’s guesthouse in June 2021, Perry grabbed his buttocks while intoxicated. Dixon’s complaint also cited alleged text messages where Perry reportedly made repeated sexual comments and advances over several years. Dixon is seeking at least $260 million in punitive damages in his case.

In response to Rodriguez’s new lawsuit, Alex Spiro, legal counsel for Tyler Perry, issued a statement to Variety, asserting, “Having recently failed in another matter against Mr. Perry, the very same lawyer has now made yet another demand from more than a decade ago which will also be a failed money grab.” Spiro’s comment specifically referenced the earlier lawsuit filed against Perry by Derek Dixon.

Jonathan Delshad, the Los Angeles-based attorney representing both Rodriguez and Dixon, emphasized the presence of numerous alleged text messages exchanged between Rodriguez and Perry that he believes corroborate his client’s claims. Delshad stated, “Mr. Rodriguez is looking forward to his day in court and holding Mr. Perry accountable for his actions. We do hope a jury awards enough money to make Perry regret his actions.” He further added, “Unfortunately, statements like those made by Perry’s attorneys do nothing but enable Mr. Perry to continue to victimize people like Mr. Rodriguez. My client looks forward to a jury’s determination of what happened.” The new complaint by Rodriguez concludes by asserting that he realized Perry was continuing to use his power and influence to sexually assault hopeful actors and, with the support of others, decided to share his story to achieve justice. It also states that when Perry learned of Rodriguez’s impending action, he allegedly reached out by text, expressing betrayal and reminding Rodriguez of his past help.