AceShowbiz - David Del Rio, known for his role in the CBS reboot of Matlock, has broken his silence and taken legal action against the network following his dismissal in October 2025. The actor was removed from the cast after CBS conducted an investigation into sexual assault allegations made against him by co-star Leah Lewis.

The incident in question allegedly occurred on September 26, 2025, inside Lewis’ trailer. CBS promptly fired Del Rio once their inquiry concluded, standing firmly by their decision amid public scrutiny. This marked the first time since the investigation that the former cast member has publicly responded to the situation.

In a statement exclusively shared with Entertainment Weekly, Del Rio’s attorney Shawn Holley revealed that arbitration has been initiated against CBS Studios. Holley emphasized that the network’s decision was based on incomplete information and that substantial evidence exists to prove Del Rio’s innocence. The attorney expressed confidence that a thorough legal review will clear her client’s name and restore his professional reputation.

Holley stated, "David Del Rio has initiated arbitration against CBS Studios to address false and misleading allegations that caused substantial professional and reputational harm. [Del Rio will] present real-time text communications and evidence that directly contradicts prior public characterizations of the interaction at issue. This evidence was not fully considered before adverse employment action was taken."

The 2024 reboot of Matlock stars Kathy Bates as Madeline "Matty" Matlock, a retired attorney who returns to work at the Jacobson Moore law firm while secretly investigating the circumstances surrounding her daughter’s death. The show was renewed for a third season on January 22, 2026.

Del Rio portrayed Billy Martinez, a junior associate at Jacobson Moore. He appeared in the first season and part of the second season before his controversial exit. Rather than recasting the character, CBS chose to write him out of the storyline entirely following his termination.

Seasons one and two of Matlock are currently available to stream on Paramount+, though no official release date has been announced yet for season three at the time of this article’s publication.

The dispute highlights the ongoing challenges faced by entertainment companies in navigating allegations against talent and the legal complexities that follow. Del Rio’s decision to pursue arbitration signals his intent to clear his name and seek redress for the impact the firing has had on his career and reputation.

As the legal process unfolds, fans of the series and observers of the entertainment industry will be watching closely to see how the situation resolves and what implications it may have for future cases involving workplace allegations and network responses.