LOS ANGELES — Recent text messages obtained by news sources show that Tyler Perry and Mario Rodriguez, the actor known for his role in "Boo! A Madea Halloween" and a plaintiff in a sexual assault lawsuit against Perry, continued to exchange messages several years after Rodriguez claims their association ended.
The legal filing, submitted last week in California, accuses Perry of sexually assaulting Rodriguez during encounters from 2014 through 2019. According to the lawsuit, Rodriguez decided to cease all communications with Perry in 2019. Despite this, Perry reportedly reached out sporadically following that period. However, the newly revealed screenshots demonstrate that Rodriguez himself initiated contact on two separate occasions—once on Thanksgiving of 2024 and again on August 31, 2025.
In the message dated on Thanksgiving, Rodriguez expressed his appreciation to Perry for his supportive role during challenging times, stating a deep gratitude. Later communications, including the August 31st texts, reveal Rodriguez discussing ongoing health challenges, a lack of health insurance coverage, and financial struggles, conveying both fear and hardship to Perry.
The texts were provided to the media by an individual close to the situation who wished to remain anonymous due to lacking authorization to discuss the matter publicly.
Regarding the allegations, Tyler Perry’s legal representative, Alex Spiro, rejected the claims made by Rodriguez. Spiro commented, “I have stated this before and I will state it again: This lawsuit is nothing more than a $77 million financial ploy.”
The suit filed by Rodriguez demands a minimum of $77 million in restitution, citing claims of sexual assault, sexual battery, and intentional infliction of emotional distress. Perry has adamantly denied the accusations brought against him.
The media guidelines generally avoid naming individuals alleging sexual abuse unless those persons disclose their identities publicly, as Rodriguez has done.
This lawsuit aligns with another filed earlier in June by actor Derek Dixon, who alleges that Perry groped him during his tenure on Perry’s television series, "The Oval" and "Ruthless." Dixon's legal action was initially lodged in California state court before being transferred to federal jurisdiction in Georgia, where Perry resides. Perry has also denied Dixon's allegations.
Requests for comments regarding the newly surfaced texts were sent to Jonathan Delshad, attorney for Rodriguez and also representing Dixon, but no responses were received.