“Matlock” actor David Del Rio has been fired from the CBS series following sexual assault allegations, Variety has confirmed.
Del Rio was escorted off the set of “Matlock” last week following an internal investigation, according to a person familiar with the situation. Sources say his “Matlock” co-star Leah Lewis has positively acknowledged her involvement in the incident. (In its initial reporting, Variety did not name Lewis, following standard journalistic practice in response to sexual assault allegations.)
On Thursday afternoon, Lewis posted a photo of herself hugging her mother on her Instagram Stories, with the caption: “Mom is here. We move forward in love and strength. I’m going to be okay. Thank you to everyone for all the support and care. Truly, we move forward in strength. Keyword, strength. Please let this be a lesson.”
“Matlock” has so far filmed about half of its second season, with a pre-planned hiatus scheduled for next week. Del Rio played the role of Billy Martinez, who is in his first year at Jacobson Moore. His character is scheduled to be removed from the series in future episodes. He and Lewis worked closely together, playing the young co-workers of Madeline Kingston, played by Kathy Bates.
CBS Studios declined to comment.
“Matlock” Season 2 is scheduled to air on CBS on October 12th. Bates stars in the series as Madeleine Kingston, aka “Matty” Matlock, who is described as “a brilliant septuagenarian who achieved success in her youth and decides to rejoin a prestigious law firm, using a low-key demeanor and cunning tactics to win cases while investigating her very personal secrets.”
The show was quickly renewed for a second season after its first broadcast in October 2024. In addition to her popularity with viewers, critics also praised Bates’ performance, and she received an Emmy nomination for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series for Season 1.
Jenny Snyder Urman developed Matlock and will serve as executive producer. Joanna Klein, Eric Christian Olsen, Kat Coiro and Bates also serve as executive producers. Produced by CBS Studios. The series is distributed by Paramount Global Content Distribution.
Editor’s note: This story has been updated with Leah Lewis’ name and Instagram post.
