Tyler Perry denies sexual assault claim, dismisses $77m suit

Hollywood filmmaker and media mogul Tyler Perry has denied a $77 million sexual assault lawsuit filed against him, describing the claims as “frivolous” and an attempt to extort money.

The lawsuit was filed on December 25 by actor Mario Rodriguez, who appeared alongside Perry in the 2016 film Boo! A Madea Halloween.

Rodriguez alleged that Perry made unwanted sexual advances toward him on several occasions between 2014 and 2019.

However, Perry’s legal team, led by prominent attorney Alex Spiro, filed a response on February 27 at a Los Angeles County Superior Court, strongly denying the allegations.

According to court documents obtained by TMZ, Perry — who wrote, directed and starred in the film — said the claims contained in the lawsuit “have no basis in fact or law and no merit.”

The court filing further stated that Rodriguez only had a minor role in the movie and allegedly turned to Perry for financial assistance multiple times.

Perry’s lawyers claimed the actor requested money to cover expenses including rent, a car, unpaid bills and medical services.

They alleged that when the filmmaker stopped providing financial help, Rodriguez fabricated allegations of a non-consensual relationship in a bid to “ignite a media firestorm” and obtain a financial settlement.

The development comes months after another actor, Derek Dixon, filed a separate $260 million sexual harassment lawsuit against Perry in June 2025.