After a storm of headlines and industry whispers, the hit CBS legal drama Matlock is now at the center of serious controversy. Actor David Del Rio has been fired from the series following an allegation of sexual assault involving co-star Leah Lewis. The dramatic shakeup comes just as Matlock gears up for its second season, prompting urgent rewrites, casting adjustments, and a wave of public statements.
According to multiple sources, the alleged incident occurred in late September 2025, purportedly on the Paramount lot. The complaint was reportedly filed on October 2, and Del Rio was immediately removed from the production. CBS and the show’s producers launched an investigation, and by October 9, Del Rio was officially dismissed from Matlock.
Del Rio portrayed Billy Martinez, a young associate at the law firm Jacobson Moore, working alongside Sarah Franklin, played by Leah Lewis. The duo was integral to Matlock’s first season, often sharing major storylines and screen chemistry. Ahead of the second season, Matlock showrunner Jennie Snyder Urman had hinted that Billy and Sarah’s relationship would deepen, both personally and professionally.
With Del Rio’s exit, the series will now have to write his character out. While he will appear in the Season 2 premiere and other episodes already completed, all future appearances will be scrubbed from the script. Production is moving forward—with plans for a temporary hiatus after the first half of season two wraps.
Leah Lewis broke her silence publicly following the news of Del Rio’s dismissal. In a post on her Instagram Stories, she thanked supporters and expressed a resolute tone:
“Mom is here, we’re moving forward in love and strength. I’m in good hands. … Truly, we’re moving forward in strength. Key word, strength.”
Her statement reflects measured determination, underlining that the situation is deeply personal and emotional.
The backlash and reaction haven’t stopped there. Del Rio’s wife, Katherine Del Rio, reportedly responded by posting and deleting Instagram Stories criticizing Lewis, calling her “the most disturbing human” and mirroring Lewis’s own phrasing about strength and maternal support. Del Rio himself has yet to issue a public statement.
The timing of these developments is especially consequential. Matlock’s second season is scheduled to premiere on October 12, 2025, with the first episode already wrapped, but subsequent episodes reshuffled to accommodate Del Rio’s removal. The show will resume its regular Thursday night slot on October 16.
This incident throws into sharp relief broader questions about on-set safety, accountability, and how television productions respond to allegations of misconduct. Matlock had already positioned itself as a show exploring themes of justice and ethics—now the real-world drama presses those questions in a painful, public way.
As casting and script rewrites take place behind closed doors, the creative team must balance narrative continuity with respect for ongoing investigations and the emotional weight borne by those involved. The next episodes of Matlock will be scrutinized not just for plot choices, but for how they reflect—or avoid—the circumstances that led to this upheaval.
With Kathy Bates in the lead, and a returning ensemble including Skye P. Marshall and Jason Ritter, the show carries strong star power even amid turmoil. But fans and critics alike will be watching closely for how Matlock evolves in response to these real-world stakes.
