Tyler Perry is facing legal challenges as a new lawsuit has been filed accusing him of sexual assault. The case has been brought by Mario Rodriguez, an actor who had a minor role in the 2016 film Boo! A Madea Halloween.

Filed in the Los Angeles Superior Court, Rodriguez’s lawsuit alleges that Perry subjected him to repeated unwanted sexual advances over several years at Perry’s residence in Los Angeles. The complaint outlines instances of alleged misconduct, including a specific incident in 2018 where Perry purportedly “tightly hugged” Rodriguez and “grabbed his penis.”

Rodriguez, credited as “Frat Guy #10” in the film, is suing Perry for sexual assault, sexual battery, and intentional infliction of emotional distress. The lawsuit also implicates Lionsgate, the film’s distributor, accusing the studio of turning a blind eye to Perry’s alleged actions. Rodriguez is seeking damages in excess of $77 million.

The legal documents describe an alleged encounter in Perry’s home screening room, occurring several months after Rodriguez and Perry first met in 2015. During this incident, Perry allegedly placed his hand on Rodriguez’s leg and began rubbing his inner thigh, reassuring him, “It’s ok,” while continuing the act.

Rodriguez claims he severed ties with Perry in 2019, although Perry reportedly continued to reach out on occasion. The decision to take legal action was influenced by media coverage of a similar lawsuit filed earlier this year by actor Derek Dixon, according to Rodriguez’s filing.

Responding to the new lawsuit, Perry’s attorney Alex Spiro dismissed the allegations in a statement shared with Variety, saying, “Having recently failed in another matter against Mr. Perry, the very same lawyer has now made yet another demand from more than a decade ago which will also be a failed money grab.”

Spiro was referring to Dixon’s lawsuit, filed in June, in which the actor accused Perry of sexual harassment and assault. Dixon appeared in 85 episodes of Perry’s BET drama series The Oval and alleged that Perry grabbed his buttocks while intoxicated during a stay at Perry’s guesthouse in June 2021. Dixon’s complaint also cites alleged text messages in which Perry purportedly made repeated sexual comments and advances over several years. He is seeking at least $260 million in punitive damages.

Jonathan Delshad, the Los Angeles-based attorney representing both Rodriguez and Dixon, said his client’s claims are supported by numerous text messages allegedly exchanged between Rodriguez and Perry.

“Mr. Rodriguez is looking forward to his day in court and holding Mr. Perry accountable for his actions. We do hope a jury awards enough money to make Perry regret his actions,” Delshad said. “Unfortunately, statements like those made by Perry’s attorneys do nothing but enable Mr. Perry to continue to victimize people like Mr. Rodriguez. My client looks forward to a jury’s determination of what happened.”

The complaint further alleges that Rodriguez felt compelled to come forward after realizing Perry was continuing to use his influence within the industry. “Mr. Rodriguez realized that Mr. Perry was continuing to use his power and influence to sexually assault hopeful actors and, with the voice of others, decided that it was time to tell his story, to obtain justice, and to finally stop Mr. Perry,” the filing states.

The lawsuit also claims that after Perry learned Rodriguez intended to file suit, Perry contacted him again via text, telling Rodriguez that he had done “so much” to help him and expressing that he felt betrayed.