Leah Lewis breaks silence on David Del Rio firing after alleged sexual assault complaint on Matlock set

Actor Leah Lewis has spoken publicly for the first time since her Matlock co-star David Del Rio was fired from the CBS series following allegations of sexual assault. According to multiple reports, Lewis accused Del Rio of harassing her in September 2025, with the alleged incident occurring on the Paramount Studios parking lot. CBS confirmed that Del Rio was removed from the set and subsequently terminated on October 2, 2025, the same day the complaint was filed.

Following the news, Lewis took to Instagram to share an emotional update with her followers. Posting a photo of herself hugging her mother, she expressed gratitude for the support she had received from fans and colleagues. “Mom is here, we’re moving forward in love and strength. I’m in good hands,” she wrote, emphasizing resilience amid the ongoing controversy.

CBS acted swiftly after the complaint, launching an internal investigation and confirming that Del Rio’s character, Billy Martinez, would be written out of the series. Del Rio and Lewis had shared significant screen time in the show’s first season, portraying young lawyers working under Kathy Bates’ character, Madeline “Matty” Matlock, and Skye P. Marshall’s Olympia Lawrence.

Despite the incident, production on Matlock season two has resumed. The network announced that the season will premiere on October 12, 2025, with a brief hiatus scheduled before returning in November. CBS stated that it remains committed to ensuring a safe environment for its cast and crew.

The removal of Del Rio’s character is expected to alter the show’s storyline, but producers have assured fans that upcoming episodes will integrate these changes naturally. Lewis, meanwhile, continues to receive widespread support from fans and colleagues as she focuses on healing and moving forward.