CBS has fired Matlock actor David Del Rio following an internal investigation into an alleged sexual assault involving co-star Leah Lewis, Deadline reported.
The alleged incident reportedly took place on September 26, 2025, and was brought to the attention of CBS Studios shortly afterward.
According to insiders, producers acted swiftly once the report surfaced, launching an internal inquiry that concluded with Del Rio’s immediate termination. The actor was allegedly escorted off the CBS lot on October 2 by Matlock executive producer Eric Christian Olsen.
Production on the hit legal drama continued without interruption, though the creative team will now rework scripts to remove Del Rio’s character, Billy Martinez, a young associate at the central law firm Jacobson Moore. The show, which stars Kathy Bates as attorney Madeline “Matty” Matlock, is set to go on a pre-planned hiatus next week after wrapping the first half of its new season. Filming is expected to resume after Thanksgiving.
The situation has drawn attention given the show’s prior exploration of sexual assault themes in its first season, where Matlock defended a young lawyer accusing her boss of misconduct.
In addition to Bates and Lewis, Matlock stars Skye P. Marshall and Jason Ritter. Season 2 of the CBS drama is scheduled to premiere on October 12, 2025.
CBS Studios has not released a public statement regarding the investigation, and representatives for David Del Rio have not yet commented.
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