Tyler Perry is facing a sexual assault lawsuit filed by Mario Rodriguez, an actor from Boo! A Madea Halloween. The lawsuit is the second in recent months accusing Perry of using his Hollywood influence to make unwanted sexual advances.

Rodriguez filed the suit Thursday in California, seeking at least $77 million in damages. He alleges that Perry subjected him to repeated sexual advances over several years, including sexual battery and assault at Perry’s Los Angeles home. In addition, Rodriguez has sued Lionsgate, the studio that distributed the 2016 film, claiming it ignored Perry’s alleged misconduct. Lionsgate did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

Perry’s lawyer denied the allegations, calling them false and stating that Perry intends to defend himself vigorously.

According to the complaint, Rodriguez was first approached in 2014 by a trainer at an Equinox gym in Los Angeles, who said Perry wanted his phone number to discuss an acting role. Perry later encouraged Rodriguez to audition for Boo! A Madea Halloween, allegedly saying, “I’m not a bad person to know and have in your corner,” the lawsuit claims.

After Rodriguez was cast, the complaint says Perry invited him to his home, where he allegedly touched Rodriguez inappropriately while they watched a movie. Additional alleged incidents occurred in 2016, 2018, and 2019. In one instance, Perry allegedly tried to unbuckle Rodriguez’s pants. In another, he allegedly placed Rodriguez’s hand on his genitals. The lawsuit also states that Perry gave Rodriguez $5,000 on multiple occasions after the encounters.

Rodriguez says he resisted Perry’s advances and ultimately decided to file the lawsuit after learning of similar allegations from another actor, Derek Dixon. Dixon sued Perry in June, alleging that Perry groped him while he worked on the television series The Oval and Ruthless. Dixon’s case, originally filed in Los Angeles Superior Court, has since been moved to federal court in Georgia, where Perry’s studio is based.

Rodriguez’s lawsuit includes claims of sexual assault, sexual battery, and intentional infliction of emotional distress. The case adds to growing scrutiny over allegations against Perry and his influence in Hollywood.

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