Filmmaker and media mogul Tyler Perry is pushing back against a sexual assault lawsuit filed against him, asking a judge to dismiss the case while strongly denying the allegations.

According to court filings, Perry is seeking to have a $77 million lawsuit thrown out, arguing the claims made by actor and model Mario Rodriguez have “no basis in fact or law.”

Rodriguez, who had a small role in the 2016 film Boo! A Madea Halloween filed the lawsuit in December 2025. In the complaint, he accuses Perry of making unwanted sexual advances and inappropriate physical contact over several years. Rodriguez claims some incidents allegedly occurred at Perry’s home and during meetings connected to acting opportunities.

The lawsuit seeks at least $77 million in damages and includes allegations such as sexual assault, sexual battery, and intentional infliction of emotional distress. However, Perry’s legal team has firmly denied the accusations.

In court documents filed in Los Angeles County Superior Court on February 27, Perry rejected “every allegation” and described the lawsuit as a “money grab.” His attorneys also claim Rodriguez had repeatedly asked Perry for financial help for personal expenses, including housing, medical bills, and other costs.

Previous Lawsuits Against Tyler Perry

The Rodriguez case is not the first legal challenge Perry has faced in recent months. In June 2025, actor Derek Dixon, who appeared on the BET drama The Oval, filed a $260 million lawsuit accusing Perry of sexual harassment, assault, retaliation, and emotional distress.

Dixon alleged that Perry created what he described as a “coercive, sexually exploitative dynamic” while the two worked together on projects connected to Tyler Perry Studios. The complaint claims the harassment began after they met in 2019 and included alleged incidents at Perry’s home in 2020 and 2021.

According to the lawsuit, Dixon said he felt pressured to tolerate Perry’s alleged advances out of fear his role on The Oval could be affected. The filing also claims he later suffered emotional distress and financial losses after leaving the show. Perry has denied Dixon’s allegations as well. His attorney described the claims as fabricated and part of an attempt to extort money from the filmmaker.

RELATED: Tyler Perry Named In New Lawsuit Filed By Actor Mario Rodriguez

According to Perry’s defense, the allegations surfaced after he stopped providing financial assistance. Perry’s legal team is now requesting that the court dismiss the complaint and award the plaintiff nothing. They have also indicated they may attempt to move the case to federal court as the legal battle continues. Both cases remain ongoing, and no court ruling has been issued.

Perry continues to deny all allegations while seeking to have the lawsuits dismissed.