Tyler Perry Accuser Defends Friendly Texts Amid Lawsuit

Mario Rodriguez — the person who accused Tyler Perry of sexual battery final week — says pleasant textual content messages the 2 allegedly exchanged don’t undermine his claims and are literally constant together with his account.

The mannequin and actor informed PEOPLE … “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.”

He continues, “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.”

Rodriguez provides that the messages don’t negate his allegations. “That does not mean abuse didn’t happen. Those text messages were sent 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.”

We broke the story … the texts allegedly present Rodriguez asking Perry for monetary assist to deal with a dental well being challenge. The messages additionally seem to point out Rodriguez thanking Perry repeatedly for his help and friendship.

The texts had been allegedly despatched earlier than Rodriguez filed a sexual assault and sexual battery lawsuit towards Perry on Christmas, accusing the film mogul of creating undesirable advances and, in a single occasion, allegedly grabbing his penis.

Perry’s legal professional, Alex Spiro, strongly denies the claims, telling TMZ … “This is nothing but a $77 million money grab scam.”