It’s been a whirlwind week for Matlock fans. What was once a smooth revival of the beloved courtroom drama has suddenly turned into a real-life legal-adjacent drama. The names Leah Lewis and David Del Rio are everywhere — not because of a plot twist on screen, but because of a serious controversy unfolding behind the scenes.
The story broke when reports surfaced that Matlock actor David Del Rio had been fired from the CBS reboot after allegations of sexual assault involving his co-star, Leah Lewis. The alleged incident reportedly took place in late September 2025, on the Paramount lot where the show is filmed. According to early sources, CBS swiftly launched an internal investigation, and the decision to remove Del Rio from the series came soon after.
From Co-Stars to Headlines
For many fans, this news was both shocking and disappointing. Leah Lewis, best known for her powerful roles in Nancy Drew and The Half of It, had built a reputation for professionalism and warmth. Her pairing with David Del Rio — a talented actor with credits in Grease Live! and Pitch Perfect — seemed like a win for Matlock Season 2.
But behind the set’s polished image, things apparently took a dark turn. Details are still limited, but insiders told People magazine that the studio acted quickly after Lewis came forward with her allegation. David Del Rio has not made any public statement so far, and CBS has declined to comment in depth, citing ongoing privacy and legal considerations.
Leah Lewis Speaks Out
In the age of social media, silence rarely lasts long — and Leah Lewis’s quiet strength spoke volumes. She recently broke her silence through Instagram Stories, sharing a photo with her mother alongside a heartfelt message:
“Mom is here, we’re moving forward in love and strength. I’m in good hands.”
It wasn’t a long statement, but it carried weight. She later thanked her followers for their support and emphasized one key word: strength. Fans and colleagues quickly flooded her post with messages of encouragement, many applauding her courage for speaking up.
CBS Responds and the Future of Matlock Season 2
While CBS hasn’t made an official public statement beyond confirming Del Rio’s departure, industry insiders have said that Matlock Season 2 will move forward with rewritten scripts. David Del Rio’s character will still appear in several episodes already completed before his firing, but future storylines will reportedly shift focus to Leah Lewis’s character, Sarah Franklin, alongside the show’s lead, Kathy Bates.
This shake-up poses a big question: how will Matlock handle the fallout while keeping fans engaged? The reboot has been building solid buzz for its smart writing and its blend of legal drama with modern themes. Losing a key actor mid-season is never easy, but the network seems determined to push ahead without letting the controversy derail production.
Fans React: Support, Shock, and Questions
Social media lit up after the story broke. On X (formerly Twitter), hashtags like #LeahLewis and #DavidDelRio trended for hours. Fans expressed support for Lewis, while others debated how the industry should handle allegations like these when the legal process is still ongoing. Some also pointed out that Matlock is now facing a real-life test of the same ethical questions it dramatizes in court each week — a case of art eerily mirroring life.
As one fan commented, “It’s wild how a show about justice is now dealing with its own behind-the-scenes justice story.”
A Bigger Conversation in Hollywood
The situation around Matlock actor David Del Rio isn’t isolated. Hollywood continues to grapple with the complexities of handling misconduct allegations, balancing accountability with fairness. CBS’s decision to remove Del Rio before any legal proceedings have been reported suggests studios are adopting a more proactive — and cautious — stance.
Meanwhile, supporters of Leah Lewis see her response as a moment of quiet empowerment in an industry that’s still evolving. By focusing her message on family, love, and resilience, she’s reframed the narrative from controversy to strength.
What’s Next for Matlock?
Production insiders have hinted that filming for Matlock Season 2 will continue without major delays. The show’s creative team reportedly plans to adjust upcoming scripts to accommodate Del Rio’s absence while keeping the courtroom dynamics intact.
Whether or not this controversy affects ratings remains to be seen. But one thing is certain — Matlock now has everyone’s attention, both inside and outside the courtroom.
FAQs
1. Why was David Del Rio fired from Matlock?
CBS removed David Del Rio following an internal investigation into allegations of sexual assault made by co-star Leah Lewis.
2. Has David Del Rio commented on the allegations?
As of now, David Del Rio has not issued a public statement regarding the allegations or his departure from Matlock.
3. What has Leah Lewis said about the incident?
Leah Lewis posted a brief message on Instagram thanking her supporters and emphasizing that she is “moving forward in strength.”
4. Will David Del Rio appear in Matlock Season 2?
Yes, he will appear in episodes already filmed before his firing, but his character will be written out of future episodes.
5. Is Matlock Season 2 still in production?
Yes. CBS has reportedly continued production and is reworking storylines to focus more on Leah Lewis’s character and the show’s core cast.