According to the AP report, Rodriguez reached out to Perry on Thanksgiving 2024, thanking him for supporting him through difficult times and telling the filmmaker he appreciated him “to the moon”.
In another series of messages dated August 31, 2025, Rodriguez described:
• Ongoing health problems
• Lack of health insurance
• Fear about his medical condition
• Financial struggles
He told Perry he was “scared” and worried about his health deteriorating. TMZ also published alleged messages from the same period, showing Rodriguez saying he had promised not to ask Perry for anything but was now seeking help because he feared developing sepsis like his father.
⚖️ The Lawsuit and Perry’s Response
Rodriguez filed a lawsuit in late December 2025 accusing Perry of sexual assault, sexual battery, and intentional infliction of emotional distress, seeking at least $77 million in damages. He alleges the misconduct occurred between 2014 and 2019.
Perry has denied all allegations, and his attorney Alex Spiro called the lawsuit “nothing but a $77 million money grab scam”.
🔍 Why the Texts Matter
Rodriguez’s lawsuit claims he cut off contact with Perry in 2019, but the newly surfaced messages show:
• Rodriguez initiated contact multiple times after 2019
• He expressed affection, gratitude, and trust
• He asked Perry for financial assistance
• He continued to view Perry as a supportive figure
These details may become central to Perry’s legal defense as the case moves forward.
📚 Context: A Second Accuser
Rodriguez is the second man to accuse Perry of sexual misconduct. Actor Derek Dixon filed a separate lawsuit earlier in 2025 alleging unwanted advances while working on Perry’s TV series The Oval and Ruthless. Perry has also denied those allegations.
🧭 What Happens Next
The case is expected to proceed in California courts, where Rodriguez’s attorney has said his client looks forward to presenting his claims before a jury. Perry’s legal team maintains that the lawsuit is baseless and that the text messages reinforce their position.