Overview
- In a Feb. 27 filing, Perry’s legal team formally denied Mario Rodriguez’s allegations and labeled the lawsuit a shakedown with no basis in fact or law.
- The filing argues Rodriguez repeatedly solicited money after a minor role in 2016’s Boo! A Madea Halloween and portrays Perry as a target of a financial scheme.
- Rodriguez’s complaint, filed in December, alleges unwanted sexual advances during visits to Perry’s home between 2016 and 2019 tied to discussions of potential roles.
- Published text messages show Rodriguez asked Perry for financial help, which Rodriguez says reflects power dynamics and does not disprove his abuse claims.
- Perry also filed a notice of removal citing his Georgia residency, paralleling a separate Derek Dixon case that was transferred to Georgia federal court in December.