‘Matlock’: CBS Concludes David Del Rio Reopened Investigation
UPDATE (2/4/2026 at 10:30 a.m. ET): CBS has reportedly concluded its reopened investigation into the sexual assault allegations against former Matlock star David Del Rio. The actor was fired from the series in October, on the same day that the incident was reported.
CBS investigated the incident in October, and then it reopened the investigation in December. The second investigation has ended, according to TMZ, and Del Rio reportedly wants the results released quickly.
His team, led by attorney Shawn Holley (a high-profile lawyer who has had clients such as Kim Kardashian, Justin Bieber, Tupac Shakur, and Danny Masterson), has reportedly requested that CBS provide the investigation’s results to them by the end of this week.
ORIGINAL STORY (12/11/2025 at 7:30 a.m. ET): CBS has reopened its investigation into the sexual assault allegations against Matlock actor David Del Rio, who was fired from the show in October following an initial internal investigation.
According to TMZ, multiple sources close to Del Rio told the outlet that CBS is taking another look at the accusations. The investigation reportedly reopened before Thanksgiving, and more parties have been interviewed, including Del Rio himself and his attorney, Shawn Holley.
Del Rio, who played lawyer Billy Martinez on Matlock, was accused of sexual assault by his co-star, Leah Lewis. CBS Studios investigated the alleged incident, which was reported by Lewis on October 2 and said to have taken place on September 26. Following an internal investigation, Del Rio was fired and escorted off the Matlock set.
After the news broke, Lewis shared a photo of her and her mom on her Instagram Stories, writing, “Mom is here. We’re moving forward in love and strength. I’m in good hands. Thank you to everybody for any kind of support and care. Truly, we’re moving forward in strength. Key word, strength. Let that be the takeaway.”
Del Rio has not publicly commented on the allegations, but in November, he hired Holley, Kim Kardashian’s lawyer, who has also represented high-profile clients such as Justin Bieber, Snoop Dogg, Lindsay Lohan, and Paris Hilton.
While Del Rio himself hasn’t commented, his wife, actress Katherine Del Rio, responded to Lewis’ post at the time. According to Deadline, Katherine shared a photo of her and her own mom, writing, “Mom is here. We’re moving forward in love and strength after what Leah did to our family. Thank you all for the love and support!” She later deleted the post.
Del Rio and Katherine share two daughters, Lilia, 2, and Coco, 11 months. The couple recently shared a holiday photo on Instagram, marking Del Rio’s first public post since he was fired.
Filming on the second season of Matlock took a pre-scheduled hiatus following Del Rio’s dismissal and recently resumed after Thanksgiving. Del Rio’s character is expected to be written out of the show in the coming episodes.
Matlock, Thursdays, 9/8c, CBS
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.
Conversation12 Comments
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G
Wow! Without any real information people are taking sides...and, of course, calling the female accuser a liar. Shame on you all!
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A
Sexual assault happens. People lie. Investigate because it's the right thing to do.
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F
I see comments and blaming. No one knows the truth. Never judge until evidence is gathered.
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B
Wait, he was fired which tells me they found something incriminating. But why is CBS reinvestigating the matter ? That tells me that , CBS, is now admitting that maybe they made a hasty decision back then and there may be room for some doubt????
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J
So sorry to hear this. They had such a good banter between one another on the show. 🙏🏼🙌🏼🙏🏼
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M
I always love how they fire somebody before all of the information is documented. But with Hollywood, you never know it’s always one thing or another, and Lord knows there’s a ton of sexual assault over the years in Hollywood.
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R
They fired him because their first investigation says he's guilty. Why hasn't he been criminally charged?
Why did Lewis wait so long to report it?
If the reopened investigation finds him innocent, are they going to release the truth or pay him a massive sum slapped with an NDA.
Will Leah Lewis be fired for lying, if that's the case? How will the studio wash the mud off of Del Rio's name, if he's found innocent?
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G
I don’t believe her, I hope he wins and is brought back and she is written out. Probably jealous of his popularity
Too easy to make accusations difficult to defend yourself, glad he is fighting it.
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G
Shame on you for automatically taking the woman's side. Women have learned if they want somthing just acuse a male coworker and he is automatically guilty. I dont belive her. She is a terrible actress and she was probably going to be written off so she makes up a he said she lied story. If he did something he should be held accountable but there HAS to be PROOF. It is up to the accuser to prove guilty not the accused to prove his innocence.
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G
She did not press charges against him and he was not arrested. And if things were so bad why didn't she? Obviously she got what she wants. She does not have to share the camera with him. She will be the whole focus now!
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D
I think it is all lies and I hope David wins and is brought back to Matlock and awarded alot of money for pain and suffering!
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T
They should have not taken her word over his. They should have both been fired
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