Tyler Perry seeks to protect private texts in sexual assault lawsuit

Filmmaker Tyler Perry is petitioning a Los Angeles court to prevent the public disclosure of private text messages exchanged with his associates. The request comes amid a $77 million civil lawsuit filed by actor Mario Rodriguez, who alleges that Perry sexually assaulted and harassed him in 2018.

Perry argues that the messages, which were turned over during the discovery process, contain sensitive financial information and involve third parties who are not involved in the litigation. His legal team contends that these individuals have a reasonable expectation of privacy and that public exposure would cause them unnecessary embarrassment and annoyance.

Rodriguez alleges that after landing a role in the film “Boo! A Madea Halloween,” he experienced unwanted sexual advances and touching during visits to Perry’s home. The lawsuit claims Perry provided payments of $5,000 following these alleged incidents. Perry and his legal counsel have denied all allegations of wrongdoing, characterizing the lawsuit as a “failed money grab.”