Mario Rodriguez — the man who accused Tyler Perry of sexual battery last week — says friendly text messages the two allegedly exchanged don’t undermine his claims and are actually consistent with his account.

The model and actor told PEOPLE … “I want to briefly respond to what’s being said about me right now. People are pointing to messages where I was polite, grateful, or vulnerable — and trying to use that to discredit me.”

He continues, “When someone has influence over your career, your income, your future, you don’t feel free. Survivors often stay cordial. They often ask for help when they feel desperate.”

Rodriguez adds that the messages don’t negate his allegations. “That does not mean abuse didn’t happen. Those text messages were sent at a time when I was especially vulnerable, as can be seen from the context. Continued financial support and access are not inconsistent with abuse — they are often part of the power dynamics that follow it.”

We broke the story … the texts allegedly show Rodriguez asking Perry for financial help to address a dental health issue. The messages also appear to show Rodriguez thanking Perry repeatedly for his support and friendship.

The texts were allegedly sent before Rodriguez filed a sexual assault and sexual battery lawsuit against Perry on Christmas, accusing the movie mogul of making unwanted advances and, in one instance, allegedly grabbing his penis.

Perry’s attorney, Alex Spiro, strongly denies the claims, telling TMZ … “This is nothing but a $77 million money grab scam.”

Tragedy has struck NASCAR driver Denny Hamlin … his dad has died following a devastating house fire in North Carolina that also left his mother critically injured.

On Monday evening, Gaston County EMS confirmed 75 year old Dennis Hamlin died from injuries suffered in the blaze. Hamlin’s 69 year old mom, Mary Lou Hamlin was injured in the fire and remains in critical condition.

Despite the extensive damage, firefighters were able to save some racing memorabilia and collectibles from inside the home.

Former A&E personality Tony McCollister — who was arrested on child and animal abuse charges — has been court-ordered to stay away from the two dogs he allegedly abused in Ohio … and, specifically, not to have sex with the animals.

As we reported … McCollister’s canines were taken into custody by the Warren County Sheriff’s Office — and are now being well cared for following the December 23 arrest of the former star of A&E’s “Neighbors with Benefits,” Sheriff Barry Riley told TMZ.

According to legal docs, obtained by TMZ, the judge ordered McCollister to keep at least 500 feet away from not just his pets, but all animals … and all minor children as well.  The judge notes that McCollister must refrain from “forcing sexual relations” upon his minor children and dogs.

In 2015, McCollister appeared on the short-lived A&E show “Neighbors with Benefits” about swingers. Public scrutiny led the show to get cancelled after only 2 episodes.

McCollister was released from custody after posting $250,000 bail.