Tyler Perry Denies Dodging Questions About His S*xual Orientation As Accuser Mario Rodriguez Seeks Sanctions In A$$ault Lawsuit

Mario Rodriguez, Tyler Perry

Tyler Perry Denies Dodging Questions About His S*xual Orientation As Accuser Mario Rodriguez Seeks Sanctions In A$$ault Lawsuit

Tyler Perry is pushing back as a deposition fight adds another layer to the $77 million s*xual a$$ault lawsuit brought by actor Mario Rodriguez.

According to TMZ, Rodriguez is asking a judge to sanction Perry, claiming the filmmaker failed to appear for a deposition that his side says has been pursued since April. Rodriguez alleges Perry would only sit for questioning if attorneys agreed not to ask whether he is or has been s*xually attracted to men.

Rodriguez claims Perry’s legal team argued that the topic is irrelevant to the case and could become inflammatory. Rodriguez’s side says the questions may be relevant to the allegations.

Perry’s attorney, Alex Spiro, denied the claims, telling TMZ, “As we said from the outset, this is a shakedown and now a shakedown and a frivolous motion. Tyler did not fail to appear for a deposition nor refuse any line of questioning. We will seek sanctions.”

Rodriguez, who says he met Perry in 2015 before landing a role in “Boo! A Madea Halloween,” has accused Perry of s*xual a$$ault, s*xual battery and related claims. Perry denies the allegations. The case remains ongoing.