Tyler Perry's legal team is pushing back against allegations that he refused to answer questions about his sexual orientation during a deposition.
According to court documents obtained by TMZ, Mario Rodriguez, who is suing Perry for sexual assault, claims the director has failed to appear for a deposition since April 14.
>>> Huge Tent Erected Near Taylor Swift's Rhode Island Home Amid Wedding Rumors
Rodriguez alleges that Perry's team demanded a guarantee that no questions about Perry's sexual orientation would be asked, calling such topics 'irrelevant and inflammatory.'
Rodriguez argues that Perry's past with other male accusers makes the line of questioning relevant.
Perry's lawyer, Alex Spiro, told 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.'
>>> Italian PM Meloni Slams Trump Over G7 Photo Claim
Rodriguez filed a lawsuit seeking $77 million in damages, alleging Perry sexually assaulted him in 2018.
Rodriguez claims he met Perry at a gym in 2015 and later secured a role in 'Boo! A Madea Halloween.'
He alleges Perry asked if he enjoyed oral sex before grabbing his penis, and later paid him $5,000 and apologized.
>>> Neighbor Apologizes for Calling 911 Before LAPD Shot Family Dog
Rodriguez also claims Perry forced his hand onto Perry's penis during another encounter and gave him another $5,000.
Perry and his team deny the accusations, noting that Rodriguez continued communicating with Perry after the alleged incidents.
They claim Rodriguez frequently asked for financial assistance and only made the allegations after Perry refused further help.
TMZ obtained alleged text messages showing Rodriguez asking for money for dental work and thanking Perry for assistance.
>>> Pax Jolie-Pitt Still Spends Time With Brad Pitt's Family Despite Strained Relationship
The case is ongoing.
