New Delhi, Dec. 28 -- Mario Rodriguez was little known outside casting circles until his name surfaced in a lawsuit that has sent shockwaves through Hollywood.

An actor with a modest resume, Rodriguez has accused filmmaker and media mogul Tyler Perry of sexual assault, sexual battery and intentional infliction of emotional distress in a civil suit filed in California on December 25. Perry has denied the allegations.

Rodriguez first spoke publicly earlier this month in an emotional video shared on Instagram, which was later reported on by People. In the video, he described the emotional toll of remaining silent for years, telling followers he felt "scared and ashamed" for not speaking out sooner. He said the decision to come forward was ...