‘Matlock’s’ David Del Rio fired after sexual assault allegations
Teddy Grant
LOS ANGELES - JULY 15: Kathy Bates reacts to the cast and crew from the CBS Original Series MATLOCK surprising her with a celebration upon the morning of her Emmy nomination for Best Lead Actress in a Drama Series. Pictured (L-R): David Del Rio as "Billy Martinez", Leah Lewis as "Sarah Franklin", and Skye P. Marshall as "Olympia Lawrence". (Photo by Sonja Flemming/CBS via Getty Images)
Editor’s Note: This story contains discussions of rape or sexual assault that may be disturbing. Reader discretion is advised. If you or someone you know has been sexually assaulted, you can find help and discreet resources on the National Sexual Assault Hotline website or by calling 1-800-656-4673.
(NewsNation) — “Matlock” actor David Del Rio was fired from the show following an investigation into a sexual assault allegation, according to Deadline.
Sources told Deadline that the alleged incident occurred on Sept. 26 and involved series regular Leah Lewis.
An internal investigation was completed on Oct 2. Del Rio was fired and escorted off the Paramount lot.
On the show, Del Rio played first-year associate Billy Martinez and was often paired up with Lewis’ character, Sarah Franklin, who was his colleague and friend.
While it’s unclear how many episodes he will appear in the show’s second season, his character will be immediately written off, TVLine reported.
Kathy Bates at the 77th Primetime Emmy Awards held at the Peacock Theater on September 14, 2025 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Gilbert Flores/Variety via Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – SEPTEMBER 11: Leah Lewis attends the One House Toast To The Emmys at Four Seasons Hotel Los Angeles at Beverly Hills on September 11, 2025 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Araya Doheny/Getty Images)
TORONTO – MARCH 27: Nicole de Boer stars as Carlin, Kathy Bates stars as Madeline Matlock, David Del Rio stars as Billy Martinez and Leah Lewis stars as Sarah Yang, in the new drama series MATLOCK. Inspired by the classic television series of the same name, the series follows brilliant septuagenarian, Madeline, who achieved success in her young years and decides to rejoin the work force at a prestigious law firm. Madeline uses her unassuming demeanor and wily tactics to win cases and expose corruption from within. MATLOCK premiers in the 2023-2024 season on the CBS Television Network and will be available to stream live and on demand on Paramount+. (Photo by Brooke Palmer/CBS via Getty Images)
The show completed filming the first half of its season this week and will resume filming after Thanksgiving.
Del Rio’s character was in every episode of the show’s first season.
“Matlock” stars Kathy Bates, who plays an ageing attorney who infiltrates a high-end law firm that she believes is responsible for her daughter’s death.
The show’s second season premieres on Sunday, Oct. 12.
