‘Matlock’s David Del Rio Fired Over Alleged Sexual Assault Against Costar
Matlock actor David Del Rio has been fired from the CBS legal drama after an alleged sexual assault involving his costar, Leah Lewis. Del Rio and Lewis play lawyers Billy Martinez and Sarah Franklin, respectively, and share most of their scenes. The series is currently filming its second season, premiering this Sunday, October 12.
The alleged incident took place on September 26, according to Deadline, and is said to have been reported on October 2. The alleged incident was immediately investigated by CBS Studios, TV Insider has confirmed, and the studio has since parted ways with the actor. Sources told Deadline that, following an internal investigation, Del Rio was fired and escorted off set the same day of the report. Matlock executive producer Eric Christian Olsen was reportedly one of the people who escorted the actor off the lot.
TMZ reports that the alleged assault happened on Paramount property.
“CBS Studios is declining comment, but can confirm David Del Rio has departed the series,” a rep for CBS Studios told TV Insider. Del Rio’s character will be written out of the series for future episodes.
David Del Rio and Leah Lewis in ‘Matlock’ Season 2 (Sonja Flemming / CBS)
Filming resumed on Matlock following Del Rio’s removal. The series is going on a pre-scheduled filming hiatus next week, when production on the first half of Season 2 is complete, with filming set to resume after Thanksgiving.
The characters Billy and Sarah round out Madeline “Matty” Matlock’s (Kathy Bates) legal team, led by Olympia (Skye P. Marshall) at the Jacobson Moore law firm.
Del Rio will be seen in the first half of Matlock Season 2. It premieres with two episodes in one week, starting Sunday, October 12, at 8:30/7:30c. Season 2 Episode 2 airs at the show’s regular day and time, Thursday, October 16, at 9/8c.
If you or someone you know is the victim of sexual assault, contact the Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network’s National Helpline at 1-800-656-HOPE (4673). If you or a loved one is in immediate danger, call 911.
Conversation13 Comments
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G
I’m a fan of the show and I’m surprised and shocked. I’m glad it was reported and CBS took the necessary action.
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O
While I am fiercly against any sort of intemidation from one to another, I know that no matter how thin you pour a pancake there are always two sides.
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C
This was a shock. I think the whole dynamic is about to change. They looked like such a cool group. We really should wait till all the info comes out and if in fact he did something so awful, he needs to be charged and jailed. No one ever needs to be assaulted in a manor like that ever!!
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O
The article did not state what happened other than it was a sexual assault so you don't know what he did. We don't have all the facts of what happened yet.
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O
You're assuming it was a full assault. We just don't know.
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G
Just wondering….. if you were at a football game, with your wife, and your team won, would you find it acceptable for an excited fan to plant a “celebratory kiss” on your wife’s lips, and if not, why? Inappropriate? You’d want to knock him out? Well, as a woman, they have no other option but to oppose unwanted sexual advances that cross the line through the judicial system, because many men think like you do and feel a sense of entitlement! By the way, if I were you, I’d think more highly of the rights of your wife and daughter, if you are fortunate enough to have them.
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B
The “victim” is his costar Leah Lewis who plays Sarah. Sexual assault could be an unwanted kiss or touch. It’s hard to say if he did anything. But she also looks like she would file a fake report. You never know, Amber Heard for example. She didn’t look like a husband beater.
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O
In recent years, the term "sexual assault" has been used to describe something as innocent a celebratory kiss in the heat of winning the World Cup. So now it's hard to take the term seriously. I don't need the details, but I hope if they felt the need to fire him, it was for something more serious than that.
As for in-show, I don't know why the character also has to go. Was recasting the role not an option?
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B
This is sad and I pray she gets the help that she needs moving forward. I'm just sad. I feel awful for the cast and him too. What, why and oh man I am just sad.
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O
Wait for the whole story to come out. Don't jump to conclusions. Innocent until proven guilty.
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B
It's hard NOT to believe it. Not only does this happen often, but unlike decades ago...more women ARE speaking up, and that's a good thing. I usually wait for the whole story to come out, in most things. But having been on the receiving end of such things, and witnessing it, good riddance. And sometimes these men are lucky they only lost their jobs. Some have deserved to lose their freedom.
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O
Apparently CBS investigated allegations thoroughly. I don't believe his firing was done on a whim
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O
Saddened to hear this being a victim of sexual abuse & assault. There’s always two sides to every story & I’m waiting to see what transpires. I’m a huge fan of the show & hate to see this happening because it’s going change the entire dynamic. They seemed to get along well but looks can be deceiving. Hopefully it can be resolved & Leah will find help she needs from this.
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