Hollywood filmmaker Tyler Perry has strongly denied fresh sexual assault allegations, with his legal team describing the lawsuit as an opportunistic attempt to extort money.
Reacting to a new civil suit filed in Los Angeles by actor Mario Rodriguez, Perry’s lawyer, Alex Spiro, dismissed the claims as recycled and lacking merit. In a statement to Variety, Spiro said the lawsuit was being pushed by the same legal team behind a previously unsuccessful claim against the media mogul.
“Having recently failed in another matter against Mr. Perry, the very same lawyer has now made yet another demand from more than a decade ago, which will also be a failed money grab,” Spiro said.
Rodriguez alleges he was subjected to unwanted sexual advances by Tyler Perry over several years and is seeking at least $77 million in damages. The lawsuit also names Lionsgate as a defendant, accusing the studio of ignoring the alleged misconduct.
Spiro also referenced a separate lawsuit filed earlier this year by another actor, suggesting a pattern of claims brought by the same attorneys.
Tyler Perry has not personally commented on the allegations beyond his lawyer’s statement. As of now, he has not been charged with any criminal offence, and the claims remain allegations yet to be proven in court.
