LOS ANGELES – Recent text exchanges reveal that Tyler Perry and Mario Rodriguez, an actor known for his role in “Boo! A Madea Halloween,” continued their communication long after Rodriguez claims their relationship ended. Rodriguez has recently taken legal action against Perry, accusing him of sexual assault.

In a lawsuit filed last week in California, Rodriguez accuses Perry of assault during incidents that allegedly took place from 2014 to 2019. Although Rodriguez contends he severed ties with Perry in 2019, he asserts that Perry occasionally tried to reconnect. However, text messages obtained by The Associated Press indicate that Rodriguez reached out to Perry on Thanksgiving 2024 and again on August 31, 2025, expressing appreciation, friendship, and financial hardship.

One Thanksgiving message shows Rodriguez expressing gratitude, thanking Perry for his support during tough times, claiming he appreciated him “to the moon.” In another series of messages from August 31, Rodriguez detailed his ongoing health issues, mentioned lacking health insurance, and shared his fears about his financial struggles.

The text message screenshots were provided by a source familiar with the situation, who requested anonymity due to not being authorized to speak publicly on the matter.

Perry’s legal representative, Alex Spiro, has firmly denied Rodriguez’s claims.

“I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again,” Spiro stated. “This is merely a $77 million money grab scheme.”

Rodriguez’s lawsuit seeks at least $77 million in damages and accuses Perry of sexual assault, sexual battery and intentional infliction of emotional distress. Perry has denied the allegations.

The Associated Press does not typically name people who say they have been sexually abused unless they come forward publicly as Rodriguez has.

The lawsuit follows a separate case filed in June by actor Derek Dixon, who alleged Perry groped him while Dixon worked on Perry’s television series “The Oval” and “Ruthless.” That lawsuit was originally filed in California state court and later moved to federal court in Georgia, where Perry is based. Perry also has denied Dixon’s allegations.

AP reached out to Rodriguez’s attorney, Jonathan Delshad, seeking comment on the text messages, but did not receive a response. Delshad also represents Dixon.