What you need to know
The man who accused Tyler Perry of sexual assault and sexual assault is referring to newly surfaced text messages the two allegedly sent to each other.
“I would like to briefly answer what is being said about me right now. People are pointing out messages about me being polite, appreciative, and vulnerable and trying to use that to discredit me,” Mario Rodriguez, 56, who filed a lawsuit against Perry, alleging he assaulted her on Dec. 25 and made unwanted sexual advances while promising acting roles, said in a statement obtained by People on Dec. 29.
“People don’t feel free when someone else has influence over their career, income, and future. Survivors are often honest and often seek help when they feel hopeless,” Rodriguez continued in a statement.
He further argued that “this does not mean that the abuse did not occur. The context indicates that these text messages were sent to Perry at a time when I was particularly vulnerable. Continued financial support or access is not inconsistent with abuse, but is often part of the power relationships that accompany it.”
Rodriguez — A model who appeared in a bit role in Perry’s 2016 film “Boo!” Madea Halloween is seeking $77 million in damages. Perry’s attorney, Alex Spiro, previously told PEOPLE that Rodriguez’s lawsuit is “nothing but a $77 million scam.”
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Newly surfaced text messages seen by PEOPLE appear to show Rodriguez calling Perry a “friend” on Thanksgiving 2024 and talking about Perry’s health and financial issues just months earlier.
“Please know that I love you and appreciate everything. Thank you to the moon,” one of the emails Rodriguez allegedly sent to Perry read. “You saved my Mexican ass from a lot of bad places, and I just want to say thank you to you.” Rodriguez then allegedly sent two more text messages expressing his gratitude to Perry.
Rodriguez’s email said, “I can’t buy you anything, but I just want to let you know that my son here is grateful to you more than anything.” “From the bottom of my heart, brother, there’s nothing I wouldn’t do for you, just enjoy your time and I hope to see you again soon.”
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In a statement about the text messages, Rodriguez added, “In many situations involving exploitation, money can serve as a means to manage guilt, avoid conflict, and maintain silence. The presence of financial support does not disprove harm; it is entirely consistent with the complex realities that survivors face after abuse.”
Perry apparently responded to a series of text messages from Rodriguez in November 2024, writing, “Happy Thanksgiving my friend. Yeah, you did a great job. I’m glad you’re okay. You don’t have to give me anything or pay me anything. I’m just glad you’re okay.”
Rodriguez reportedly replied, “I’m still hurting, but you know, I’m a survivor like you and I’m glad you’re my friend and I respect and love you.”
Rodriguez is represented by attorney Jonathan J. Delshad. He also represented another actor, Derek Dixon, who made similar allegations against Perry in June 2025. Perry has previously denied these claims.
Spiro told PEOPLE in a statement on Dec. 26, the day after Rodriguez’s lawsuit was filed, “While we recently failed in another matter against Mr. Perry, the very same attorney has been making another demand for more than a decade that will also fail.” But Delshad said that because the case has been moved from California to Georgia, Dixon’s claims are “alive and none of them have failed. They have just been moved to another court.”
If you or someone you know has been sexually assaulted, please contact the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 1-800-656-HOPE (4673) or visit rainn.org.
