Tyler Perry’s legal team is pushing back against allegations that the filmmaker sought to avoid questions about his sexuality during a deposition in an ongoing $77 million sexual assault lawsuit.
The latest dispute centers on court filings from actor Mario Rodriguez, who claims Perry refused to move forward with a deposition unless attorneys agreed not to question him about whether he “is, or has been,” sexually attracted to men. Perry’s attorney has strongly denied those allegations, calling the motion “frivolous.”
What Sparked the Dispute?
Rodriguez, who sued Perry in late 2025 alleging sexual assault, sexual battery, and other claims, recently asked a California judge to sanction Perry over what he describes as delays in scheduling the filmmaker’s deposition.
According to Rodriguez’s court filing, Perry’s legal team allegedly insisted that questions regarding Perry’s sexual orientation be off limits because they were “irrelevant and inflammatory.” Rodriguez’s attorneys argue the subject is relevant to the allegations in the lawsuit.
Tyler Perry’s Attorney Responds
Perry’s attorney, Alex Spiro, has disputed Rodriguez’s version of events.
In a statement responding to the motion, Spiro said:
“Tyler did not fail to appear for a deposition nor refuse any line of questioning. We will seek sanctions.”
Spiro has also described the sanctions request as a “shakedown” and a “frivolous motion,” maintaining that Perry has not attempted to avoid the legal process.
The Underlying Lawsuit
The deposition dispute is just one part of Rodriguez’s broader lawsuit against Perry.
Rodriguez, who appeared in Boo! A Madea Halloween, alleges Perry sexually assaulted him on multiple occasions between 2015 and 2019 while promising career opportunities. He is seeking at least $77 million in damages.
Perry has denied all allegations. His attorneys have repeatedly characterized the lawsuit as a “money grab” and have argued that the claims are false.
What’s Next?
The court has not yet ruled on Rodriguez’s request for sanctions related to the deposition dispute.
As the case moves through discovery, both sides continue to sharply disagree over what occurred during scheduling negotiations and what subjects may be explored during Perry’s deposition. No court has determined the merits of either side’s claims, and the litigation remains ongoing.
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