Overview
- Mario Rodriguez has sued Tyler Perry for $77 million this year, alleging sexual assaults that began after the two met at a gym in 2015.
- Rodriguez moved for sanctions saying Perry failed to appear at a deposition where Rodriguez planned to ask about Perry’s sexual orientation, a claim Perry’s lawyers deny.
- Perry’s team filed papers Tuesday saying he agreed to sit for a deposition, calling the sexuality questions irrelevant and accusing Rodriguez of using discovery to force a multi‑million dollar settlement.
- Perry is asking the court to sanction Rodriguez $7,300 for discovery abuse while Rodriguez’s complaint details specific alleged incidents, including a $5,000 payment and forced touching.
- The dispute over deposition scope will affect how the $77 million case proceeds and comes alongside a separate 2025 $260 million suit by Derek Dixon that has already increased scrutiny of Perry’s conduct.