Tyler Perry’s accuser explained why he sent the movie mogul friendly text messages to Tyler after alleged s*x assaults.
Text messages shared by Tyler’s legal team show Mario Rodriguez asked the filmmaker for money before filing his lawsuit last week.
Mario, 40, filed a lawsuit against Tyler, claiming the famed director made unwanted advances toward him and groped his genitals.
However, text messages from Mario to Tyler showed nothing but love for the 56-year-old playwright.
In one text message sent to Tyler in 2024, Mario wrote, “you got my Mexican a– out of a lot of bad places and I just wanna tell you thank you. I can’t buy you anything, but I just wanna tell you that your boy right here appreciates you more than anything.”
Mario continued: “straight from the heart bro nothing I wouldn’t do for you man anyways enjoy your time and I hope I see you again soon.”
Tyler responded, “Happy Thanksgiving my friend. Yeap [sic] you’ve been through it. I’m glad you’re doing well. You don’t have to give me a thing or pay me a thing. I’m just glad you’re good.”
Mario replied: “I’m still going through it but you know me man I’m a survivor just like you are and I’m glad that you’re my friend and I love you bro respectfully.”
Mario clarified why he sent the texts expressing his gratitude to Tyler.
“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 said in a statement to PEOPLE.
“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,” Mario continued.
“That does not mean abuse didn’t happen. Those text messages were sent to Perry 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.”
Mario alleges the incidents occurred between 2014-2019.
IMDB.com lists only 2 acting credits for Mario: “Family Business” TV series in 2020 and Tyler’s “Boo! A Madea Halloween” movie in 2016.
