‘Matlock’ Star David Del Rio Fired Following Sexual Assault Allegation

Matlock series regular David Del Rio has abruptly exited the hit CBS legal drama following an investigation into a sexual assault allegation.

via: Variety

According to an individual with knowledge of the situation, Del Rio was escorted off the set of “Matlock” last week following an internal investigation. The incident reportedly involved Matlock series regular Leah Lewis. Approximately half of the show’s second season has been filmed to date, with a pre-planned hiatus scheduled for next week.

Del Rio played Billy Martinez, a first-year associate at Jacobson Moore. His character will be written out of the series for future episodes.

CBS Studios declined to comment.

Leah Lewis

“Matlock” Season 2 is slated to debut on CBS on Oct. 12. Kathy Bates as stars in the series as Madeline “Matty” Matlock, described as “a brilliant septuagenarian who achieved success in her younger years and decides to rejoin the work force at a prestigious law firm where she uses her unassuming demeanor and wily tactics to win cases all while investigating a deeply personal secret of her own.”

Additional cast members include Skye P. Marshall, Jason Ritter, and Lewis.

The show earned a speedy second season renewal following its premiere in October 2024. In addition to being popular with audiences, critics have also praised Bates’ performance, with the actress earning an Emmy nomination for outstanding lead actress in a drama series for the first season.

Jennie Snyder Urman developed “Matlock” and serves as executive producer. Joanna Klein, Eric Christian Olsen, Kat Coiro, and Bates also executive produce. CBS Studios produces. The series is distributed by Paramount Global Content Distribution.