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Actor and model Mario Rodriguez filed a lawsuit against Tyler Perry and Lionsgate Films on Thursday.
The legal complaint alleges that Tyler Perry engaged in sexual assault and battery over a period of several years.
Mario Rodriguez claims the interactions began in 2015 after a trainer at a gym told him the director wanted to meet.
According to the lawsuit, the two initially met to discuss a potential movie role, even though Mario Rodriguez had no prior acting experience at the time.
The lawsuit describes several alleged incidents at Tyler Perry’s home.
Mario Rodriguez claims that during their first meeting, the director rubbed his shoulders and chest in a sexual manner.
He also alleges that in 2018, Tyler Perry grabbed his genitals without consent during a visit to discuss career opportunities.
The actor claims Tyler Perry gave him $5,000 as an apology after that encounter.
In another alleged incident, Mario Rodriguez says the director forced him to touch him inappropriately and provided another $5,000 when he tried to leave the residence.
Tyler Perry’s attorney, Alex Spiro, dismissed the claims in a statement to the media.
He suggested that the lawsuit is a "failed money grab" led by a lawyer who previously lost a different case against the director.
The legal team insists that the allegations are baseless and refers to them as demands from over a decade ago.
Mario Rodriguez is seeking at least $77 million in punitive damages for sexual assault, sexual battery, and emotional distress.
This legal action follows a separate lawsuit filed earlier by Derek Dixon, an actor from "The Oval." That case also involved allegations of sexual harassment and battery against Tyler Perry.
The director has denied those claims as well. As the new lawsuit from Mario Rodriguez moves through the court system in California, it adds to the legal challenges facing the media mogul.
The outcome of the case will depend on the evidence presented by both sides during the upcoming proceedings.
