David Del Rio, former actor on CBS’s Matlock, has filed a legal claim against CBS Studios after being abruptly terminated from the hit series. Del Rio, who portrayed attorney Billy Martinez, is contesting his firing following allegations of sexual assault made by an unnamed female cast member. The lawsuit, filed as an arbitration claim, asserts that CBS Studios did not adequately consider critical evidence that would undermine the accusations before making the decision to let him go.
According to Del Rio’s lawyer, Shawn Holley, the actor plans to present “real-time text communications” and other materials that contradict the public characterizations of the incident. These materials, Del Rio’s legal team argues, were not fully taken into account during the initial investigation, which ultimately led to Del Rio’s termination. Del Rio, through his attorney, seeks to clear his name and restore the professional reputation that he believes was damaged by the allegations.
The Incident and Del Rio’s Sudden Departure from 'Matlock'
Del Rio’s dismissal from Matlock came as a surprise, particularly given that the actor had already filmed seven episodes of the second season. CBS Studios conducted an internal investigation into the allegations before making the decision to escort Del Rio off the set and write him off the show. Despite his removal, Matlock has continued to experience success, with its first season averaging 16 million viewers across multiple platforms. The show, which is a modern reimagining of the 1980s and ’90s classic starring Andy Griffith, stars Kathy Bates as a lawyer restarting her career at a New York firm, alongside Leah Lewis, Skye P. Marshall, and Jason Ritter.
The allegations against Del Rio are believed to have involved his co-star, Leah Lewis. Following the news of the accusations, Lewis posted a statement on Instagram that many saw as a reference to the incident. In the post, she wrote about moving forward in “love and strength,” thanking supporters for their care and promising to focus on “strength” as the key takeaway. Though she did not confirm the details of the allegations, Lewis’ statement seemed to indicate that the situation had affected her personally.
Supplemental Investigation and CBS Studios' Decision
Following the initial inquiry, CBS Studios launched a supplemental investigation into the matter. The results of this follow-up investigation reportedly aligned with the studio’s initial decision to terminate Del Rio. However, Del Rio’s legal team continues to challenge the findings. Shawn Holley has strongly denied the allegations, calling them “false and misleading,” and arguing that they have caused Del Rio substantial harm to both his career and reputation. Del Rio and his legal team are confident that a thorough evidentiary review will ultimately clear his name and restore his standing within the entertainment industry.
CBS Studios has declined to comment on the ongoing legal proceedings as the case remains in arbitration. Both sides are expected to present their evidence in the coming months, but for now, the details surrounding the situation remain largely under wraps.
The Impact on 'Matlock' and Del Rio’s Career
Del Rio’s departure from Matlock came amidst significant success for the show. The final episodes of the first season of Matlock introduced a storyline in which Del Rio’s character, Billy Martinez, takes time off after his girlfriend suffers a miscarriage. The show explained his absence by stating that Billy was “out sick,” but it is widely believed that Del Rio’s real-life departure was tied to the allegations and subsequent firing.
As the legal dispute continues, Del Rio is determined to clear his name and reclaim his career. His legal team believes that the evidence will exonerate him and allow him to restore his professional reputation, paving the way for future opportunities in the entertainment industry.
