The CBS reboot of Matlock, currently enjoying a successful run in the 2026 television season, is once again at the center of controversy. Former series regular David Del Rio, who played Billy Martinez, is now pursuing legal action against CBS Studios following his October 2025 firing, which stemmed from allegations of sexual assault made by co-star Leah Lewis. This development marks a new chapter in a case that initially sent shockwaves through the entertainment industry.
Del Rio’s involvement with the show ended abruptly after the alleged incident, which reportedly occurred in Lewis’s trailer on the Paramount lot during filming of the show’s second season, according to reports from October 2025. He appeared in the first half of Season 2, which premiered on October 12, but was swiftly escorted off set after Lewis reported the matter to CBS Studios on October 2. The network launched an internal investigation, confirming Lewis’s account and leading to Del Rio’s dismissal.
Now, just days after Matlock’s Season 2 winter premiere, Del Rio is fighting back. His attorney, Shawn Holley, stated that Del Rio has initiated arbitration against CBS Studios, alleging that “false and misleading allegations” caused “substantial professional and reputational harm,” Deadline reported. Holley further indicated that Del Rio intends to present evidence, including “real-time text communications,” that contradicts previous characterizations of the interaction.
CBS Studios has not yet issued a comment on the arbitration. However, the network reiterated its previous statement that Del Rio “departed the series.” A second investigation, involving a reinterview with Del Rio in late November 2025, did not alter the decision to write his character out of the show. The in-universe explanation for Billy’s absence is currently being developed for the 2026 storyline.
Investigation Findings and Shifting Allegations
The initial investigation reportedly led to a change in the nature of the claims against Del Rio, shifting from sexual assault to “unwanted sexual conduct.” However, CBS Studios did not provide a comment to Deadline regarding this alleged change. The incident sparked considerable online speculation, with some fans suggesting the severity of the alleged assault contributed to the swiftness of Del Rio’s dismissal, while others pointed to a potential zero-tolerance policy influenced by a workplace assault storyline within the show itself.
Adding another layer to the situation, Del Rio’s wife, Katherine Del Rio, posted since-deleted Instagram Stories seemingly questioning Leah Lewis’s account and implying fabrication. This prompted significant backlash online, with many criticizing her posts as victim-blaming, as reported by The New York Post.
Lewis Continues with Matlock, Season 3 Renewed
While Del Rio pursues legal recourse, Leah Lewis continues her role as Sarah Franklin in Matlock. She has begun a new storyline in the back half of Season 2 and is expected to remain a central figure in the show, which has been renewed for a third season. Following the renewal, Lewis shared a heartfelt post on social media with her co-stars Kathy Bates, Skye P. Marshall, and Jason Ritter, expressing her gratitude for their support.
The future of this legal battle remains uncertain. Del Rio’s arbitration aims to clear his name and address the damage to his reputation, while CBS Studios maintains its stance on the matter. As Matlock continues to air new episodes on Thursdays at 9 p.m. ET, the industry will be watching closely to see how this legal dispute unfolds.
What comes next for both David Del Rio and Leah Lewis remains to be seen, but this case underscores the complexities of navigating allegations of misconduct within the entertainment industry. We encourage readers to share their thoughts and engage in respectful discussion in the comments below.
