Matlock star David Del Rio launches arbitration against CBS after being fired over ‘false’ sexual assault claim

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David Del Rio has initiated arbitration against CBS Studios after his termination from Matlock.

Last October, the 38-year-old actor was let go from the drama series after his co-star, 29-year-old Leah Lewis, alleged he assaulted her at Paramount Studios.

David Del Rio is taking legal action against CBS Studios, claiming false accusations have significantly damaged his career and reputation, according to a statement from his lawyer, Shawn Holley, to the Daily Mail on Wednesday.

She continued by stating that he will share immediate message exchanges and proof that clashes with previous public descriptions of what happened.

Holley added that this evidence was ‘not fully considered’ before Del Rio was fired.

Mr. Del Rio intends to address this issue in court and is confident that a thorough review of the facts will prove his innocence and clear his name.

The Daily Mail reached out to a spokesperson for Lewis for a statement, but CBS Studios did not offer a response.

After Lewis accused Del Rio of sexual assault, he was fired from the upcoming “Matlock” reboot and removed from the Paramount studio lot in October 2025. Del Rio maintains his innocence.

Although CBS reopened the investigation, the network ultimately did not reverse its decision. 

I’m hearing from a source that Del Rio’s lawyers have found even more proof to use in the arbitration case. They’re planning to present it all there, which is great news for his side, I think!

According to a source, Del Rio helped fully with both investigations. However, he wasn’t brought back to his position, even after CBS apparently changed its description of the allegations from sexual assault to unwanted sexual behavior.

According to a source, CBS requested that Del Rio not discuss the matter publicly and avoid reaching out to his agents or lawyers while it was being handled.

A source close to the studio rejected the claim that Del Rio was denied representation. 

Last month, Del Rio asked CBS to share the results of their reinvestigation into a sexual assault allegation against him.

An internal review of the situation took place in November, and Del Rio stated he submitted proof to support his claim that he had done nothing wrong.

In November, Del Rio was interviewed by network investigators, with his lawyer present.

TMZ reported last year that investigators also spoke with other people connected to the case as part of the renewed investigation.

After the accusation surfaced, Del Rio was asked to leave and was later fired, according to sources familiar with the situation.

CBS Studios later announced that Billy Martinez’s character would no longer appear in new episodes starting midway through the second season.

At the time, an insider said that filming had resumed following a hiatus.

Holley, the lawyer handling this case, has a history of working with well-known figures like Kim Kardashian, Justin Bieber, and Lindsay Lohan.

Amid the drama, Matlock – which premiered in September 2024 – has been renewed for a third season.

After Lewis made his claim, Del Rio has apparently been relying on his wife, Katherine, for emotional support.

The couple, who married in April 2018, share daughters Lillian, two, and Coco, one.

Last fall, the dad of two surprised everyone with an appearance on Instagram when his wife posted a family picture including him and their children.

She shared a late Thanksgiving message, expressing gratitude for her family and how they consistently support her and her daughters.

Following her claims about a colleague, Lewis shared a photo with her mother on Instagram.

She shared a photo and wrote that her mom is with her, and they’re facing the future with love and resilience. She feels safe and grateful for all the support and kindness she’s received, emphasizing that strength is what’s helping them move forward.

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2026-03-05 22:07