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by WTVC
LOS ANGELES — Text messages obtained by The Associated Press show filmmaker Tyler Perry and actor Mario Rodriguez remained in touch for years after Rodriguez now says their relationship ended following alleged sexual assaults.
Rodriguez, who appeared in “Boo! A Madea Halloween,” filed a lawsuit last week in California accusing Perry of sexually assaulting him during encounters that he says occurred between 2014 and 2019. The lawsuit claims Rodriguez cut off contact in 2019, although Perry occasionally reached out afterward.

In one Thanksgiving message, Rodriguez thanked Perry for helping him through difficult moments in his life and wrote that he appreciated him “to the moon,” according to the screenshots. In another exchange dated Aug. 31, Rodriguez told Perry he was dealing with ongoing health issues, did not have health insurance and was frightened as he struggled financially. (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello, Pool)

Screenshots reviewed by the AP show Rodriguez initiating conversations with Perry well after that point, including messages sent on Thanksgiving 2024 and again on Aug. 31, 2025. In those messages, Rodriguez expressed appreciation for Perry, described him as a friend and shared concerns about money and his health.
In one Thanksgiving message, Rodriguez thanked Perry for helping him through difficult moments in his life and wrote that he appreciated him “to the moon,” according to the screenshots. In another exchange dated Aug. 31, Rodriguez told Perry he was dealing with ongoing health issues, did not have health insurance and was frightened as he struggled financially.
The messages were provided to the AP by a person close to the situation who spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to discuss the matter publicly.
Perry’s attorney, Alex Spiro, rejected Rodriguez’s claims.
Rodriguez is seeking at least $77 million in damages. His lawsuit accuses Perry of sexual assault, sexual battery and intentional infliction of emotional distress. Perry has denied all allegations.

Rodriguez is seeking at least $77 million in damages. His lawsuit accuses Perry of sexual assault, sexual battery and intentional infliction of emotional distress. Perry has denied all allegations. FILE – Tyler Perry poses at the grand opening of Tyler Perry Studios in Atlanta on Oct. 5, 2019.{ } (Photo by Elijah Nouvelage/Invision/AP, File)

The Associated Press generally does not name people who say they were sexually abused unless they choose to identify themselves publicly, as Rodriguez has done.
Rodriguez’s lawsuit comes after a separate case filed in June by actor Derek Dixon. Dixon alleged Perry groped him while he worked on Perry’s television shows “The Oval” and “Ruthless.” That lawsuit was first filed in California state court and later moved to federal court in Georgia, where Perry is based. Perry has also denied Dixon’s allegations.
The AP contacted Rodriguez’s attorney, Jonathan Delshad, for comment about the messages but did not receive a response. Delshad also represents Dixon.
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