Tyler Perry Seeks Gag Order on Private Texts in $77M Assault Lawsuit

The filmmaker’s legal team filed objections this week, asserting that while he provided the messages to plaintiff Mario Rodriguez for discovery purposes, that transfer did not grant permission for public release. Perry contends the logs contain sensitive financial discussions and private communications from associates who have no connection to the allegations. He claims the move is a tactical attempt by Rodriguez to weaponize embarrassment and pressure him into a multimillion-dollar settlement.

This discovery dispute unfolds as Judge Brock T. Hammond signals that Lionsgate will remain a co-defendant in the case. Rodriguez, who appeared in Perry's 2016 film Boo! A Madea Halloween, alleges the studio ignored internal audit warnings from 2013 regarding Perry’s conduct. While Lionsgate has moved to dismiss the claims, citing a lack of legal standing, the judge ruled the revised allegations sufficiently address the studio’s awareness of the situation. To bolster his defense, Perry has brought on high-profile attorney Alex Spiro, who recently gained court approval to participate in the California proceedings from his New York base. As the December 9, 2026, deposition date approaches, both sides remain locked in a contentious cycle of motions, with the defense accusing Rodriguez of serial harassment through frivolous discovery demands.