The man who accused Tyler Perry of sexual assault says the recently released friendly texts between them don't contradict his claims.
“I want to briefly respond to what’s being said about me right now. People are pointing to messages where I was polite, grateful, or vulnerable—and trying to use that to discredit me," Mario Rodriguez said in a statement obtained by People on Monday (Dec. 29).
He continued, "When someone has influence over your career, your income, your future, you don't feel free. Survivors often stay cordial. They often ask for help when they feel desperate.
"That does not mean abuse didn't happen. Those text messages were sent at a time when I was especially vulnerable, as can be seen from the context. Continued financial support and access are not inconsistent with abuse—they are often part of the power dynamics that follow it."
Rodriguez, a model who made a brief appearance in Perry’s 2016 film, Boo! A Madea Halloween, filed a lawsuit last Thursday (Dec. 25) accusing the filmmaker of making unwanted advances and, in one instance, grabbing Rodriguez's penis.
Prior to Rodriguez’s statement, the Associated Press reported on text messages between Rodriguez and Perry reportedly sent as early as 2024 through August 2025.
The messages allegedly show the model asking Perry for financial assistance for a dental health issue and thanking him repeatedly for his support and friendship.
Perry's attorney, Alex Spiro, has denied the allegations against his client, telling TMZ, "This is nothing but a $77 million money grab scam."
In June, Perry was sued by actor Derek Dixon, who accused the Madea creator of quid pro quo sexual harassment, sexual battery, sexual assault, and retaliation, among other allegations.
In a filing made in October, Perry’s legal counsel called those accusations “false” and insisted Dixon “needs help.”