Tyler Perry Accuser’s Money Pleas Undermine $77M Assault Claim

Alleged text messages obtained by TMZ show Mario Rodriguez, the actor suing Tyler Perry for $77 million in sexual battery damages, begging the mogul for financial help months before filing his complaint. The exchanges, dated August 31, 2025, depict Rodriguez citing health fears from dental issues and lack of insurance, pleading, “I know I promised not to ask you for anything… but I’m scared.”

Perry’s attorney, Alex Spiro, dismissed the suit as a “77 million dollar money grab scam,” highlighting the contradiction between Rodriguez’s prior affection and current accusations. Rodriguez starred as a zombie in Perry’s 2016 film Boo! A Madea Halloween, claiming in his December 2025 lawsuit that Perry made unwanted advances and grabbed his genitals during a 2017 set visit.

Yet texts from 2024 show Rodriguez thanking Perry profusely, writing messages of love and gratitude years after the alleged incident. This second lawsuit against Perry follows a pattern of Hollywood sexual misconduct claims, but the leaked communications cast doubt on Rodriguez’s narrative of trauma and victimhood, as detailed by the New York Times.

Mario Rodriguez filed his complaint in Los Angeles Superior Court last week, seeking $77 million for alleged sexual battery, assault, negligence, and emotional distress stemming from encounters in 2016 and 2017. According to court documents, Rodriguez met Perry on the Boo! set, where the producer allegedly isolated him in a dressing room, complimented his physique, and touched him inappropriately, per CNN reports.

A follow-up incident purportedly occurred when Perry visited Rodriguez’s Atlanta home unannounced, leading to more unwanted physical contact. The suit paints Perry as a predatory power player exploiting aspiring actors, drawing parallels to broader #MeToo reckonings in entertainment. Rodriguez’s attorney alleges Perry’s empire-building masked a pattern of abuse, demanding a jury trial and punitive damages.

Perry has not publicly responded beyond Spiro’s statement, but sources close to him insist the claims are fabricated for extortion. This marks the second high-profile accusation against Perry in recent months, following a separate suit by another actor. Critics question timing amid Perry’s booming studio expansions and political ties under President Trump’s administration.

The TMZ-released screenshots, purportedly from Rodriguez’s phone, begin with him complaining of illness, “I haven’t been feeling well… my teeth are killing me.” He escalates to fears of sepsis, mirroring his father’s death, and asks Perry for help covering medical costs sans insurance. Earlier 2024 messages show warmth, “Thank you for everything… I love you.”

Legal experts note such evidence could eviscerate Rodriguez’s credibility, suggesting motive for financial gain over justice. “These texts scream opportunism,” said entertainment litigator Gloria Allred, who has handled similar cases but isn’t involved here. Perry’s team plans to use them in a motion to dismiss, arguing no assault occurred and post-incident behavior contradicts claims.

Rodriguez has not commented, but his silence fuels speculation of a shakedown gone public. In Hollywood’s litigious climate, where payouts often precede trials, this saga tests boundaries of accountability versus allegation inflation.

Tyler Perry, 56, built a $1.4 billion fortune from Madea films, Tyler Perry Studios, and BET deals, becoming a self-made icon for Black audiences. His Atlanta lot rivals Hollywood’s biggest, employing thousands amid industry strikes, as the Hollywood Reporter details. Yet whispers of misconduct have shadowed his rise, amplified by this lawsuit wave, much like the recent assault claim that cost a Matlock actor his job.

The first suit, filed earlier in 2025, accused Perry of similar advances, it remains pending. Rodriguez’s filing invokes California’s Adult Survivors Act, allowing decade-old claims. Perry’s response via Spiro, known for defending Elon Musk and Robert Kraft, signals aggressive counterattack.

Supporters rally online, decrying “cancel culture” targeting a rare Black success story. Detractors demand investigation, citing power imbalances on Perry’s sets. As discovery unfolds, expect more leaks and depositions to dominate headlines.

This case arrives as Hollywood grapples with post-Harvey Weinstein fatigue, where settlements exceed $1 billion but convictions dwindle. Rodriguez joins accusers against Diddy, Russell Brand, and others in a resurgence of male-on-male claims, as covered by Rolling Stone.

Legal analysts predict settlement to avoid trial spectacle, but Spiro’s bravado suggests fight. “It’s a scam,” he reiterated, vowing to expose Rodriguez’s “extortion racket.” Public opinion splits, Perry’s fans flood social media with support, while activists urge due process. Such cases echo when high-profile lawsuit dropped against figures like Conor McGregor.

For Rodriguez, a journeyman actor with credits in Power and indies, the suit risks blacklisting if debunked. Perry faces reputational hit, potentially impacting deals like his Netflix slate, Variety notes.

Next steps include Perry’s answer deadline, likely with counterclaims for defamation. Rodriguez must produce evidence beyond testimony, texts weaken his position. Motions for summary judgment could end it pre-trial.

Discovery will subpoena phones, witnesses from the Boo! set, and financials revealing Rodriguez’s pleas. Jury selection in liberal LA poses risks for Perry, but evidence may sway. Parallel probes? Unlikely without criminal filing, but civil suits often catalyze them. Perry’s silence preserves deniability, expect a tell-all if it drags, reminiscent of Brooke Shields’ account of assault by a powerful man in Hollywood.

Fellow Madea alum Laurel van der Merwe called claims “baseless,” praising Perry’s mentorship. Rodriguez’s reps stonewall, hinting at media strategy. Spiro’s track record, dismissing Jay-Z suits, bolsters Perry’s defense. For more celebrity news, see our coverage.

Social media erupts: #JusticeForPerry trends alongside #BelieveMario, polarizing discourse. Trump’s Hollywood critics amplify, framing it as “woke witch hunt.”

Insiders say Perry prioritizes family, faith, avoiding scandals. His studio hums with projects like Sistas renewals, insulating finances. Legal war chest exceeds $100 million.

If texts authenticate, Rodriguez faces perjury risks. Perry could countersue, bankrupting the plaintiff. Settlement odds, 60%, per betting markets.

Perry revolutionized Black cinema, grossing $1B+ domestically. Critics once mocked Madea, now envy his independence. Suits threaten that legacy.

Rodriguez, 40s, parlayed Boo! into agents but faded. Lawsuit revives career? Or ends it? Time tells.