Matlock Star Breaks Silence & Takes Legal Action Against CBS After Firing

Matlock star, David Del Rio, finally breaks his silence regarding his firing as he files an arbitration against CBS for “professional and reputational” damage.

Del Rio was cut from the cast of Matlock by CBS in October 2025 after the network investigated his co-star, Leah Lewis’ sexual assault claims against him. Del Rio was promptly fired after CBS concluded their investigation, with the company doubling down by stating that it stood by its decision. The reported event allegedly took place on September 26, 2025, inside her trailer.

Now, the actor, who had stayed silent until now, is fighting back. He is taking legal action against CBS for their reportedly false claims against him, explaining that it negatively impacted his career. In an exclusive statement to Entertainment Weekly, the former Matlock star’s attorney, Shawn Holley, explained that the network fired her client without solid proof. She added that they had more than enough evidence to prove Del Rio’s innocence and is confident that he would be able to restore his image.

Holley’s message is the first time the actor or any of his representatives have spoken out about the incident since his firing. Check out the full statement below:

David Del Rio has initiated arbitration against CBS Studios to address false and misleading allegations that caused substantial professional and reputational harm. [Del Rio will] present real-time text communications and evidence that directly contradicts prior public characterizations of the interaction at issue. This evidence was not fully considered before adverse employment action was taken. Mr. Del Rio looks forward to resolving this matter through the appropriate legal forum and has faith that a full evidentiary review will establish the truth and restore his professional reputation.

CBS’ 2024 reboot of Matlock features Kathy Bates as Madeline “Matty” Matlock, who comes out of retirement to work at a prominent law firm, Jacobson Moore. However, she has ulterior motives for rejoining the workforce. She is trying to uncover the truth behind her daughter’s death. The series was renewed for a third season on January 22, 2026.

Del Rio portrays Billy Martinez, a junior associate at Jacobson Moore. He appeared in Matlock season 1 and the first part of season 2 before he got fired. Instead of recasting his character, CBS just wrote him out of the show altogether.

Matlock seasons 1 and 2 can be streamed on Paramount+. There is no confirmed release date for season 3 at the time of this article’s publication.