The man accusing Tyler Perry of sexual assault is pushing back against claims that recently surfaced friendly text messages between them undermine his allegations.
In a statement obtained by People on Monday (Dec. 29), Mario Rodriguez addressed the backlash directly, saying, “I want to briefly respond to what’s being said about me right now. People are pointing to messages where I was polite, grateful, or vulnerable—and trying to use that to discredit me.”
Rodriguez explained that maintaining a cordial tone doesn’t erase what he says happened. “When someone has influence over your career, your income, your future, you don’t feel free. Survivors often stay cordial. They often ask for help when they feel desperate,” he said.
He added, “That does not mean abuse didn’t happen. Those text messages were sent at a time when I was especially vulnerable, as can be seen from the context. Continued financial support and access are not inconsistent with abuse—they are often part of the power dynamics that follow it.”
Rodriguez, a model who briefly appeared in Perry’s 2016 film Boo! A Madea Halloween, filed a lawsuit last Thursday (Dec. 25) accusing the filmmaker of making unwanted advances and, in one alleged incident, grabbing his penis.
Before Rodriguez released his statement, the Associated Press reported on a series of text messages between him and Perry that were allegedly sent from as early as 2024 through August 2025.
The messages reportedly show the model reaching out to Perry for financial help related to a dental health issue, while repeatedly thanking him for his assistance and friendship.
Perry’s attorney, Alex Spiro, has flatly denied the claims, telling TMZ, “This is nothing but a $77 million money grab scam.”
Back in June, Perry was also sued by actor Derek Dixon, who accused the Madea creator of quid pro quo sexual harassment, sexual battery, sexual assault, and retaliation, among other claims.
In an October court filing, Perry’s legal team dismissed those allegations as “false” and stated that Dixon “needs help.”
