Mario Rodriguez Jr. is addressing one of the biggest questions surrounding his lawsuit against Tyler Perry—why he maintained contact with the director after the alleged incidents.
In a newly released TikTok statement, Rodriguez said the answer is complicated, pointing to career ambitions, fear, and self-doubt as factors that influenced his decisions.
Rodriguez, who previously filed a lawsuit accusing Perry of sexual misconduct, said he struggled for years with that question himself. “Why did I keep going back there? That’s the same question I asked myself for so many years,” he said.
He explained that each visit came with internal conflict, balancing personal responsibilities with what he believed was a breakthrough opportunity in his career. “I felt like my dream was coming true,” he added, noting that he had already worked with Perry and did not expect the alleged behavior to continue.
The actor also described how power dynamics shaped his response. According to Rodriguez, the situation involved someone who was not only a mentor but also had influence over his professional future.
“When your abuser is your mentor… your boss… someone who holds the key to your career… you tell yourself it was just a one-time thing,” he said.
He added that repeated contact was fueled by a belief that the behavior might stop, as well as by reassurance that followed each alleged incident.
In his statement, Rodriguez also connected his experience to broader patterns in how victims respond to alleged abuse. “That question is the number one reason why victims don’t come forward,” he said, referring to the scrutiny around continued contact. He added, “I didn’t have the perfect explanation… I’m tired of carrying that weight on my shoulders.”
The renewed attention comes shortly after previously reported text messages surfaced showing Rodriguez reaching out to Perry years after the alleged encounters, including messages expressing gratitude and discussing personal struggles. Those messages, obtained by the Associated Press, have become a focal point in the ongoing legal battle.
Rodriguez’s lawsuit alleges that the misconduct occurred over an extended period following their initial professional relationship in the mid-2010s. He claims that after being cast in one of Perry’s films, he experienced ongoing unwanted advances tied to what he described as a significant power imbalance.
Rodriguez’s case is one of multiple legal challenges Perry is currently facing. Actor Derek Dixon has also filed a separate lawsuit accusing Perry of sexual harassment and assault tied to his work on The Oval and Ruthless.
Both Rodriguez and Dixon are represented by attorney Jonathan Delshad.
If you or someone you know has been sexually assaulted, confidential support is available through the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 1-800-656-4673 or online at rainn.org.
