What happened between David Del Rio and Leah Lewis? — What we know so far

CBS’s legal drama Matlock has found itself in the headlines for all the wrong reasons following shocking allegations against one of its cast members. Actor David Del Rio, who portrayed young attorney Billy Martinez in the reboot of the beloved courtroom series, has been officially fired from the show after a sexual assault allegation surfaced involving his co-star Leah Lewis.

Sources close to the production confirmed that Del Rio was escorted off the set late last week after CBS Studios concluded an internal investigation into the matter. The incident reportedly took place on September 26 and was formally reported on October 2, prompting an immediate inquiry by the studio.

According to reports by Deadline and TMZ, the alleged assault occurred on Paramount property, where the show is filmed. Following the investigation, the decision was swift: Del Rio was terminated and physically escorted off the premises the same day. Matlock executive producer Eric Christian Olsen was among those present during the actor’s removal, according to multiple accounts.

At the time of his firing, production on Matlock’s second season was already underway, with approximately half of the episodes completed. CBS sources revealed that the network will now write out his character, meaning Billy Martinez will not appear in future episodes beyond those already filmed.

The show will move forward with production as planned. Filming for the first half of Season 2 wrapped just before a pre-scheduled hiatus, which begins next week. Shooting is expected to resume after Thanksgiving, giving producers time to adjust storylines and rework scripts to reflect Del Rio’s absence.

CBS Studios has declined to comment publicly on the ongoing situation, citing the sensitivity of the allegations and privacy of those involved. Meanwhile, Matlock fans have been quick to react online—some expressing disappointment and others praising the network for acting swiftly to maintain a safe work environment.

Matlock, a modern reimagining of the classic series that originally starred Andy Griffith, returned to CBS in October 2024 with Kathy Bates leading the cast as Madeline “Matty” Matlock, a brilliant and wily septuagenarian lawyer who reenters the courtroom world after years away. The show quickly gained traction for its smart writing and stellar performances, earning Bates an Emmy nomination for her role in the first season.

Del Rio, best known for his roles in Grease Live! and The Baker and the Beauty, joined the series as Billy Martinez—a first-year associate at the fictional firm Jacobson Moore. His character served as a protégé to Matlock and shared numerous scenes with Leah Lewis, who plays fellow associate Sarah Franklin.

Season 2 of Matlock will premiere Sunday, October 12, at 8:30/7:30c on CBS, followed by the second episode on Thursday, October 16, during the show’s regular timeslot. Despite the controversy, the network has decided to air the already-completed episodes featuring Del Rio, while ensuring that his exit is smoothly handled in subsequent episodes.

The incident has once again stirred conversation in Hollywood about workplace safety and accountability. CBS Studios, which has previously faced scrutiny over misconduct allegations in past productions, appears to be taking a more proactive stance in addressing internal reports and maintaining professionalism on set.

While the investigation into Del Rio’s alleged behavior has concluded internally, law enforcement involvement has not been confirmed. For now, both CBS and the Matlock team seem focused on damage control and ensuring that the scandal does not derail one of the network’s most anticipated dramas of the fall season.

With the series returning in just days, all eyes will be on how Matlock handles the fallout—both on and off screen.

FAQ SECTION

1. Why was David Del Rio fired from Matlock?
David Del Rio was dismissed from CBS’s Matlock after a sexual assault allegation involving his co-star, Leah Lewis. The network conducted an internal investigation and terminated his contract immediately after confirming the report.

2. What happened between David Del Rio and Leah Lewis?
According to reports, the alleged incident took place on September 26, 2025, on Paramount property, where Matlock is filmed. It was reported to CBS on October 2, prompting a swift internal review and Del Rio’s removal from the show.

3. Did CBS confirm the allegations?
CBS confirmed David Del Rio’s firing but declined to release specific details about the incident, citing privacy and ongoing internal procedures. No criminal charges have been announced as of now.

4. What role did David Del Rio play in Matlock?
Del Rio portrayed Billy Martinez, a young associate at the Jacobson Moore law firm and part of Madeline “Matty” Matlock’s legal team. His character will be written out of future episodes.

5. Who is Leah Lewis in Matlock?
Leah Lewis plays Sarah Franklin, another member of Matty Matlock’s legal team. She is one of the show’s central figures and is expected to continue filming for Season 2.

6. When will Matlock Season 2 premiere?
Season 2 of Matlock premieres on Sunday, October 12, 2025, with a follow-up episode on Thursday, October 16, at its regular time slot on CBS.

7. How did CBS handle the situation?
CBS Studios acted swiftly after receiving the complaint. Following an internal investigation, David Del Rio was escorted off the set by executives, and his character was officially written out of the series.

8. How has the scandal affected the show?
While the allegations have drawn attention, CBS is continuing production as scheduled. The show will go on a pre-planned filming hiatus, giving producers time to adjust scripts before resuming after Thanksgiving.

9. What has been the reaction from fans and industry insiders?
Fans have expressed shock over the allegations, while many industry watchers have praised CBS for taking quick action. Some have also voiced support for Leah Lewis and the rest of the cast as they continue filming amid the controversy.

10. Is Leah Lewis still part of Matlock after the incident?
Yes. Leah Lewis remains a key cast member in Matlock Season 2, and the network has confirmed her continued involvement in the show’s upcoming episodes.