Tyler Perry Faces Second Sexual Assault Lawsuit for $77M
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Tyler Perry Faces $77M Sexual Assault Lawsuit
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What Happened: The Allegations
Tyler Perry has been hit with a $77 million sexual assault lawsuit by Mario Rodriguez, who claims the US entertainment mogul used his Hollywood power to make sexual advances after promising a role in the 2016 comedy Boo! A Madea Halloween.
The lawsuit alleges Perry subjected Rodriguez to repeated unwanted sexual advances, including sexual battery and assault at Perry’s Los Angeles home. The complaint further claims that film studio Lionsgate was aware of the misconduct but failed to intervene.
This lawsuit marks the second accusation of sexual harassment against Perry in recent months.A previous suit alleged Perry used his “considerable influence in the entertainment industry to create a coercive, sexually exploitative dynamic.”
Details of the Alleged Incidents
Rodriguez claims he was initially contacted in 2014 through a trainer at an Equinox gym, who stated Perry desired his phone number to discuss a potential acting prospect. Perry afterward encouraged Rodriguez to audition for Boo! A Madea Halloween, reportedly stating, “I’m not a bad person to know and have in your corner.”
The lawsuit details alleged incidents beginning in 2016. Rodriguez claims Perry invited him to his home where he was inappropriately touched while watching a movie. Specific allegations include an encounter in 2019 where Perry allegedly “put his hands on Mr Rodriguez’s legs and began rubbing his inner thigh right next to his penis.” Rodriguez reportedly attempted to excuse himself to use the bathroom, but Perry allegedly insisted he stay.
Who is tyler Perry? Background and Career
The 56-year-old Tyler Perry has amassed a fortune estimated at $1.4 billion, largely through the success of his films and plays centered around the character of Mabel “Madea” Simmons, a tough, elderly, Black American matriarch.
Perry’s career began with stage plays in the early 199