CBS is parting ways with one of the stars of Matlock, David Del Rio, after he was accused of sexually assaulting co-star Leah Lewis.
The network confirmed to Page Six on Thursday that the actor had “stepped down from the series,” but declined to comment further.
According to Deadline, the actor’s firing reportedly came after the studio conducted an internal investigation.
Billy Martinez, played by Del Rio, will be leaving the show immediately, but it is unclear how many episodes he will appear in in the upcoming second season. The show is currently on hiatus from filming until November after completing production on the first half of the season.
Sources previously told Deadline that the incident between Del Rio, 38, and Lewis, who plays Sarah Franklin, happened on Sept. 26 on Paramount property.
Representatives for series star Kathy Bates and Lewis did not immediately respond to Page Six’s requests for comment. Attempts to reach Del Rio Thursday night were unsuccessful.
Del Rio parted ways with the crime drama on October 2nd.
Among those who escorted the actors off the studio grounds was “Matlock” executive producer Eric Christian Olsen.
Shortly after reports of Del Rio’s firing surfaced, Lewis assured fans on his Instagram Story that he was “moving on” with his life.
“My mom is here. We move forward in love and strength. I’ll be okay,” she wrote on Thursday alongside a photo with her mom. “Thank you to everyone for all kinds of support and consideration.”
“Indeed, we are moving forward strongly. The key word is strength. Let that be a lesson,” she concluded.
In addition to Lewis, “Matlock” also stars Bates as the title character Madeline “Mattie” Matlock, Skye P. Marshall and Jason Ritter.
“Matlock” Season 2 will premiere on October 12th.
