David Del Rio Fired from Matlock After Sexual Assault Allegations by Co-Star Leah Lewis
David Del Rio has been dismissed from the cast of CBS’s courtroom drama “Matlock” following serious allegations of sexual assault. A source confirmed the firing to TVLine after an internal investigation was conducted regarding the incident at Paramount Studios.
Details of the Allegations
The allegations involve co-star Leah Lewis and were reported to the production team. Although specific details have not been officially disclosed, sources suggest the accusations were serious enough to warrant immediate action. Last week, Del Rio was reportedly escorted off the Paramount lot as the allegations emerged.
Impact on “Matlock” Season 2
Del Rio portrayed the character Billy Martinez, a young associate in the law firm, throughout the show’s first season, appearing in all 19 episodes. His character will be promptly written off, although it remains unclear how many episodes he will feature in for the upcoming season.
“Matlock” is currently on a filming hiatus until November, following the completion of the first half of Season 2. The expected premiere for the new season is set for Sunday at 8:30 PM (7:30 PM CST) before shifting to its regular time slot on Thursday, October 16 at 9 PM.
Show Overview
- Lead Actress: Kathy Bates as Matty
- Co-Stars: Skye P. Marshall, Jason Ritter, Leah Lewis, Sam Anderson, Aaron Harris
- Plot: Focuses on a high-profile legal case tied to an opioid death lawsuit.
The show has garnered attention for its blend of drama and legal thrills, particularly showcasing Bates’s character’s quest for justice. The loss of Del Rio marks a significant change ahead of the new season.
