‘Matlock’ Star David Del Rio Fired From CBS Series Amid Sexual Assault Allegation

“Matlock” actor David Del Rio was let go from the CBS legal series after a sexual assault allegation, Variety has confirmed.

The move was made after an internal probe into an on-set occurrence, leading to Del Rio being walked off the set last week.

According to a source close to the situation, co-star Leah Lewis confirmed her involvement in the incident. Initially, Variety withheld her name, following standard media ethics regarding sexual assault reporting. However, Lewis indirectly addressed the situation through a personal Instagram Story, where she shared a photo hugging her mother with the caption: “Mom is here, we’re moving forward in love and strength. I’m in good hands. Thanks to all for any form of support and concern. Fact is, we’re going forward in strength. Key word, strength. Let that be the message.

Production on “Matlock” Season 2 had been progressing, with about half the season having been shot already. The crew was already booked for a pre-scheduled hiatus next week, giving the production some leeway to adjust after Del Rio’s departure. His character, Billy Martinez, a first-year associate at the made-up law firm Jacobson Moore, will be deleted from upcoming episodes. Del Rio’s character collaborated closely with Lewis’ character, both playing ambitious young lawyers for Kathy Bates’ lead character, Madeline “Matty” Kingston.

CBS Studios would not comment on the situation, staying quiet as the situation plays out.

Despite the scandal, “Matlock” is still a flagship drama for CBS, with Season 2 still on to premiere October 12, 2025. The series features Academy Award-winning actress Kathy Bates as Madeline Kingston, who is “a brilliant septuagenarian who found success in her earlier years and chooses to return to work for a high-powered law firm, employing her low-key personality and clever strategies to win cases while searching for a deeply personal mystery.”

“Matlock” impressed strongly when it first aired in October 2024, earning a second season order almost instantly thanks to high ratings and positive reviews. Bates’ acting, specifically, received universal praise, and she was nominated for an Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series for season one.

Behind the camera, the series was conceived by Jennie Snyder Urman, known for her Jane the Virgin stint. Urman is also an executive producer, along with Joanna Klein, Eric Christian Olsen, Kat Coiro, and Kathy Bates herself. The series is produced by CBS Studios and distributed by Paramount Global Content Distribution.

As “Matlock” begins to shoot more episodes without one of its lead performers, the network has the sensitive job of responding to the backlash while maintaining the integrity of its hit revival. The termination of David Del Rio highlights the entertainment industry’s continued push to hold people accountable after allegations of misconduct, particularly on high-profile television shows.

“Matlock” Season 2 debuts October 12, 2025, on CBS, with Bates reprising the tough Matty Kingston and an updated supporting cast after Del Rio’s exit.