Tyler Perry Accuser Sent Messages of Gratitude Years After Alleged Assault

Text messages obtained by The Associated Press indicate that Tyler Perry and actor Mario Rodriguez remained in contact years after Rodriguez alleges their interactions ended. The messages, which include expressions of gratitude, friendship, and financial distress, add a new dimension to a recently filed lawsuit accusing Perry of sexual assault.

Rodriguez, who appeared in Boo! A Madea Halloween, filed the lawsuit last week in California, alleging that Perry assaulted him during encounters between 2014 and 2019. The suit claims Rodriguez cut off contact in 2019, though Perry occasionally reached out afterward. Screenshots reviewed by the AP show Rodriguez initiating contact as recently as Thanksgiving 2024 and again on August 31, 2025.

Messages show gratitude and ongoing communication

In a Thanksgiving 2024 message, Rodriguez thanked Perry for helping him through difficult periods and wrote that he appreciated him “to the moon,” according to the screenshots. In another exchange dated August 31, 2025, Rodriguez described ongoing health problems, said he lacked health insurance, and told Perry he was scared and struggling financially.

The messages were provided to the AP by a source close to the situation who spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to discuss the matter publicly. The existence of the texts contrasts with assertions in the lawsuit that contact had ended years earlier.

Perry’s legal team disputes allegations

Perry has denied the accusations. His attorney, Alex Spiro, dismissed the claims in a statement, calling the lawsuit “nothing but a $77 million money grab scam.” The lawsuit seeks at least $77 million in damages and accuses Perry of sexual assault, sexual battery, and intentional infliction of emotional distress. The Associated Press typically does not name people who allege sexual abuse unless they come forward publicly, which Rodriguez has done in this case.

Lawsuit follows separate allegations

Rodriguez’s filing follows a separate lawsuit brought in June by actor Derek Dixon, who alleged Perry groped him while Dixon worked on Perry’s television series The Oval and Ruthless. That case was initially filed in California state court and later moved to federal court in Georgia, where Perry is based. Perry has also denied Dixon’s allegations. Rodriguez’s attorney, Jonathan Delshad—who also represents Dixon—did not respond to AP requests for comment regarding the text messages.

Case remains unresolved

The release of the messages does not resolve the legal claims, which will be evaluated in court. Legal experts note that continued contact between an accuser and accused can be interpreted in different ways and does not, on its own, determine the validity of allegations. As the cases proceed, both sides maintain sharply opposing accounts. For now, Perry continues to deny wrongdoing, while Rodriguez and Dixon pursue their claims through the legal system.