CBS’s reboot of Matlock is down one lawyer.
David Del Rio, who played the character of Billy Martinez opposite Kathy Bates‘ Madeline “Matty” Matlock, has been fired from the series following allegations of sexual assault against co-star Leah Lewis.
According to Deadline, the alleged incident occurred on September 26 and “a report of the incident triggered immediate action by the series’ producers and CBS Studios.”
By October 2, Del Rio was out, after appearing in 20 episodes.
A source told TMZ, the actor “was escorted off the Paramount lot last week as soon as the allegations were reported.” One of those who led him off the lot was executive producer Eric Christian Olsen, per Deadline.
While CBS Studios declined to comment on the matter with Parade, the network did confirm that Del Rio has departed the series.
According to CBS, an investigation was “immediately conducted” after producers were alerted of an incident involving Del Rio. His character — a first-year associate at Jacobson Moore, the law firm where Bates’ character practices — will be written out of the series for future episodes.
Production hasn’t stopped, however. Matlock has a pre-planned hiatus in October and November upon completion of the first half of the season.
The firing adds an uncomfortable layer of art imitating life. In season one, Bates’ character handled a case of sexual assault in the workplace — only for the series itself to now face allegations behind the camera, Deadline noted.
Matlock Season 2, which had been renewed quickly after a strong debut and an Emmy nomination for Bates, will still premiere as scheduled on Sunday, Oct. 12.
In addition to Bates and Lewis, the ensemble includes Skye P. Marshall and Jason Ritter.
This new Matlock is itself a reimagining of the original Andy Griffith classic that ran from 1986 to 1995, when Griffith’s lawyer Ben Matlock wowed audiences with his Southern wit and sharp cross examinations. The reboot flips the script with Bates as a brilliant attorney that commands a courtroom.
Bates made history with this year’s Emmy nomination, becoming the oldest Emmy nominee for Lead Drama Actress in the show’s history.
This story was originally reported by Parade on Oct 9, 2025, where it first appeared in the News section. Add Parade as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
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