David Del Rio returns to Instagram after ‘Matlock’ firing over assault claims

David Del Rio returns to Instagram with a family photo weeks after his ‘Matlock’ firing amid assault allegations

David Del Rio has returned to Instagram days after his high-profile exit from CBS’s drama series Matlock amid sexual assault allegations.

The actor shared family-focused holiday photos alongside his wife, Katherine Del Rio, and their two daughters, surprising fans and sparking discussion online.

The carousel of images, shared on December 6, highlighted Del Rio’s family life, with Katherine captioning the post that she was “deeply thankful” for family support. The update appeared as a belated Thanksgiving message, emphasizing unity amid the ongoing controversy.

Katherine Del Rio/Instagram

Del Rio’s departure from Matlock followed an alleged incident in late September involving his co-star Leah Lewis. CBS and the show’s production team took swift action, and Del Rio was removed from set while an internal investigation was conducted. By October, producers announced that his character, Billy Martinez, would be written out of the remaining second-season episodes. Writers plan to phase out his role without reshooting completed scenes.

Katherine Del Rio publicly defended her husband at the time, criticizing Lewis in an Instagram story that was later deleted. Despite the controversy, the couple remains united, according to sources close to the family.

Meanwhile, Leah Lewis, who plays Sarah Franklin, has resumed filming and posted on social media that she is “moving forward in love and strength.” Veteran cast members, including Beau Bridges, have confirmed that production is set to resume before Christmas.

Matlock, a gender-swapped legal drama starring Kathy Bates, aired its midseason finale on December 11, with the second half of season two scheduled for February 2026. Producers have confirmed story adjustments to accommodate Del Rio’s departure while continuing the series.