Tyler Perry to fight new sexual assault allegations

Hollywood film-maker Tyler Perry is facing a second sexual assault lawsuit by an actor employed on one of his productions. Actor Mario Rodriquez claims Perry carried out a series of unwanted sexual advances, some of which happened in Perry’s Los Angeles home. The claims follow an existing sexual assault claim by another actor called Derek Dixon. He was also employed by Perry and is suing for $260 million in damages. Both claims have been filed by the same lawyer.

Tyler Perry’s legal team has strongly denied all the allegations in both lawsuits, saying they are a “scam.” Responding to the Rodriquez claim, Perry’s lawyer, Alex Spiro, says it will be “another failed money grab.”

New York based attorney and legal analyst Terri Austin walks presenter Amber Haque through the two cases.

Host: Amber Haque

Series Producer: Jim Frank

Senior Impact Producer: Melanie Stewart-Smith

Production Coordinator: Hattie Valetine

Technical Producer: Richard Hannaford

Editor: Clare Fordham

Assistant Commissioning Producer: Rechmial Miller

Commissioning Producer: Adam Eland

Assistant Commissioner: Will Drysdale

Commissioning Editor: Rhian Roberts