Filmmaker and actor Tyler Perry has been hit with a second lawsuit accusing him of sexual assault.

Mario Rodriguez, a mannequin who landed a small function in Perry's 2016 film Boo! A Madea Halloween, filed a lawsuit Thursday in search of $77 million in damages for his claims that Perry sexually assaulted him and made undesirable bodily advances whereas promising him roles.

In a complaint reviewed by Entertainment Weekly, Rodriguez accuses Perry of utilizing his energy within the movie business to abuse him on a number of events, and likewise alleges that Lionsgate, the corporate that distributes Perry's movies, had "precise data of illegal conduct and the power to intervene however did not act."

Rodriguez is represented by Jonathan J. Delshad, the identical lawyer representing Derek Dixon, one other actor who sued Perry, 56, for $260 million in June based mostly on allegations of sexual misconduct. (Dixon's lawsuit was initially filed in California state court docket however has since been moved to federal court docket in Georgia. Perry has denied all of the claims towards him in that lawsuit.)

Perry's lawyer Alex Spiro offered a press release to EW on Friday slamming the brand new lawsuit as a "cash seize."

"Having not too long ago failed in one other matter towards Mr. Perry, the exact same lawyer has now made one more demand from greater than a decade in the past which may even be a failed cash seize," Spiro stated.

Delshad stated in a press release to EW, "Sadly, statements like these made by Perry's attorneys do nothing however allow Mr. Perry to proceed to victimize individuals like Mr. Rodriguez. My shopper seems ahead to a jury's dedication of what occurred."

Representatives for Lionsgate didn't instantly reply to EW's request for touch upon the lawsuit.

Rodriguez's criticism claims that he was approached by a coach whereas figuring out in a Los Angeles gymnasium in 2015 who instructed him that Perry wished to satisfy him to debate a job in one in all his movies. Rodriguez alleges within the criticism that he spoke with Perry first over the telephone that very same day, which is when he was supplied the small half within the Madea Halloween movie. Rodriguez would ultimately play Frat Man #10.

"You already know Mario, I'm not a foul particular person to know and have in your nook," Rodriguez claims Perry instructed him whereas discussing the function of "a really handsome faculty scholar."

Within the criticism, Rodriguez alleges that he was invited to Perry's L.A. house alone a couple of weeks later to have drinks and watch a film within the mogul's theater. Rodriguez claims that Perry initiated a hug and started massaging his shoulders and chest whereas allegedly making "sexual grunting sounds."

Rodriguez claims that he tried to cease Perry by stepping away to sit down again down, however Perry allegedly "then put his hand on Mr. Rodriguez's leg and started rubbing his inside thigh proper subsequent to his penis. Mr. Perry instructed Mr. Rodriguez 'It's okay,' whereas he continued to rub his thigh."

The criticism alleges that Rodriguez left to make use of the restroom, strolling out of the room, however "Perry continued," telling Rodriguez, "simply loosen up," "cease being so tense," "man, when you would simply come, I’d deal with you for the remainder of your life and also you wouldn't have to fret about something," and "I do know you'll come round."

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Rodriguez claims he "repeatedly tried to play off Mr. Perry’s feedback as a joke, and he tried to vary the topic to work. However Mr. Perry continued to make comparable sexual feedback," so he left and went house.

Whereas Rodriguez says Perry "didn’t sexually assault or assault" him on set whereas filming Boo! A Madea Halloween, the criticism claims that the undesirable advances continued in a number of situations at Perry's house and out to dinner, together with when Rodriguez claims Perry requested him, "Are you going to offer in?" and tried to unbuckle his pants.

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Rodriguez claims he rejected Perry a number of occasions, and subsequently was by no means supplied further roles beforehand promised to him. He additionally alleges that Perry "stuffed $5,000" into his pocket after being rejected on a number of events.

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