David Del Rio fired after co-star Leah Lewis accused him of sexual assault

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https://deadline.com/2025/10/david-d...ez-1236574763/

Del Rio, who played first-year associate Billy Martinez on the CBS legal drama, “has abruptly exited the hit CBS legal drama following an investigation into a sexual assault allegation,” reports Deadline’s Nellie Andreeva. According to sources, Andreeva reports that “the alleged incident occurred Sept. 26 and involved fellow Matlock series regular Leah Lewis,” who plays first-year associate Sarah Franklin. “A report of the incident triggered immediate action by the series’ producers and CBS Studios, which is behind Matlock,” reports Andreeva. “Following an internal investigation by the studio, Del Rio was fired and escorted off the (Paramount Studios) lot the same day the alleged assault was reported, which we hear was Oct. 2. According to sources, Matlock executive producer Eric Christian Olsen was among those who led him away. Filming on Matlock continued after Del Rio’s firing. Matlock is set to go on a pre-planned hiatus next week after wrapping half of the new season this week, with production slated to resume after Thanksgiving. Given the sudden nature of Del Rio’s departure, the Matlock creative team will have to rework scripts to write his character off.” Del Rio has yet to comment on his firing.

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Matlock’s Leah Lewis Breaks Silence On David Del Rio Firing

Matlock’s David Del Rio was fired after Leah Lewis accused him of sexual assault. Now both Lewis and Del Rio’s wife react to the scandal.

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David Del Rio’s Wife Stands by Him & Calls Leah Lewis “Disturbing” Amid Sexual Assault Scandal
by Armando Tinoco
Oct. 10, 2025


David del Rio‘s wife, actress Katherine del Rio, is standing by her husband after the actor was fired from "Matlock" over sexual assault allegations.

Katherine del Rio took to social media to post, then delete, a couple of Instagram Stories mocking Leah Lewis following the incident on the set of the CBS drama.



“This is the most disturbing human being I have ever met,” read Katherine del Rio’s first post that featured a zoomed-in photo of Lewis.

Clearly mocking Lewis in a since-deleted Instagram Stories post, Katherine shared a photo alongside her own mother and captioned it, “Mom is here. We are moving forward in love and strength after what Leah did for our family. Thank you all for the love and support!”

https://deadline.com/2025/10/matlock...al-1236577302/

[cleverfun3000]

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Matlock's Shock Cast Exit Now Leaves CBS An Impossible Choice For Season 2

David Del Rio's abrupt firing from Matlock season 2 leaves the writers and execs with a tough decision to make, but one option is the clear answer.

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Fired Matlock star David Del Rio is reportedly exploring his legal options

TMZ reports Del Rio, who was fired two weeks ago for allegedly sexually assaulting co-star Leah Lewis, has been meeting with lawyers. TMZ also notes that the alleged incident was never reported to the LAPD.

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"Matlock" Boss Teases David Del Rio Character’s Future & Storylines for 2026
by Rosy Cordero
December 11, 2025


"Matlock" showrunner and executive producer Jennie Snyder Urman is teasing the conclusion of the first half of the second season and what’s ahead when the show returns early next year.

She did confirm that Del Rios’ final appearance has already happened, and his character Billy Martinez’s storyline will conclude off-camera in forthcoming episodes.

“I’m not going to discuss details, but what I can talk about is in terms of the show,” she said. “The last episode you see him is in 7, and then you find out how Billy’s story ends, which is in a very organic way that has to do with our whole office and how things are being shaped in this merger.”

https://deadline.com/2025/12/matlock...io-1236645089/

[Coffeecup]

I do watch this show and I feel sorry for all involved but David should not even think about even a kiss with a fellow actor. As for the plot, I recall, Billy and his girlfriend had a miscarriage with the baby. If the part of Billy is vital in the plots, I would recast a new actor for the part.

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CBS Stands by Decision to Fire David Del Rio after Renewed Investigation
by Wesley Stenzel
February 19, 2026


David Del Rio will not be returning to "Matlock".

The actor behind Billy Martinez was dropped from the series after CBS investigated an alleged incident involving him — and now, after a supplemental investigation into the matter, the network is standing by its decision to keep him off the legal drama, Entertainment Weekly has learned.



A representative for Del Rio didn't immediately respond to EW's request for comment.

CBS declined to comment on the matter, citing a company policy of not discussing legal matters.

https://ew.com/cbs-stands-by-firing-...l-rio-11910383

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David Del Rio Going to Arbitration against CBS Studios over "Matlock" Firing & Sexual Assault Claims
by Dominic Patten
March 4, 2026


David Del Rio isn’t taking his sudden firing last year from CBS’ "Matlock" over sexual assault allegations without a fight.

The actor “has initiated arbitration against CBS Studios to address false and misleading allegations that caused substantial professional and reputational harm,” Del Rio’s lawyer Shawn Holley said today of the behind closed door process.



“At the arbitration, Mr. Del Rio will present real-time text communications and evidence that directly contradicts prior public characterizations of the interaction at issue,” the Kinsella Weitzman Iser Kump & Aldisert partner added.

“This evidence was not fully considered before adverse employment action was taken. Mr. Del Rio looks forward to resolving this matter through the appropriate legal forum and has faith that a full evidentiary review will establish the truth and restore his professional reputation.”

https://deadline.com/2026/03/matlock...on-1236744215/