Actor Mario Rodriguez has filed a lawsuit in Los Angeles Superior Court alleging that filmmaker and actor Tyler Perry engaged in repeated sexual misconduct over several years. Rodriguez, who appeared in the 2016 film Boo! A Madea Halloween, claims in the complaint that Perry made a number of unwanted advances, including an alleged incident in 2018 in which Perry hugged him closely and inappropriately touched him. The lawsuit also states that some of the alleged encounters occurred at Perry’s residence in Los Angeles.

Rodriguez, credited as “Frat Guy #10” in the film, is pursuing legal action for sexual assault, sexual battery, and intentional infliction of emotional distress. The complaint also names Lionsgate, the film’s distributor, accusing the company of failing to respond to Perry’s alleged behavior. Rodriguez is seeking damages of at least USD 77 million.

The filing further describes an earlier alleged incident from 2015 in which Perry is accused of touching Rodriguez’s leg in a private screening room and making reassuring comments. Rodriguez states that communication between the two ended in 2019, though Perry allegedly contacted him on occasion afterward. According to the lawsuit, Rodriguez decided to move forward after learning of similar claims made earlier this year by actor Derek Dixon.

Perry’s attorney, Alex Spiro, rejected the allegations, describing them as unfounded and characterizing the lawsuit as an attempt at financial gain. Spiro referenced a previous case filed in June by Dixon, who had accused Perry of sexual harassment and assault related to work on the BET series The Oval.

Rodriguez’s attorney, Jonathan Delshad, said his client intends to pursue the case fully and cited alleged text messages between Rodriguez and Perry as supporting evidence. Delshad stated that Rodriguez hopes the legal process will bring accountability and prevent similar conduct in the future. The complaint also alleges that Perry contacted Rodriguez after learning about the lawsuit, expressing disappointment and referencing the assistance he had previously provided, according to details reported by Variety.