CBS Files Motion to Dismiss Former ‘Matlock’ Writer’s Racism & Harassment Lawsuit

CBS Studios has filed a motion to dismiss a lawsuit filed by former Matlock writer John Lowe, who accused three of the show’s executive producers of making racist and sexually charged comments.

In his suit, Lowe accused showrunner Jennie Snyder Urman and executive producers Nicki Renna and Jeffrey Lieber of making “racially stereotyped comments about his body and genitalia.” He also claimed he was fired in retaliation after he reported Urman to HR.

“We take allegations of discrimination and harassment very seriously,” a CBS Studios spokesperson said, per Variety. “Today, with the filing of our motion to strike, we took our first step toward challenging the baseless complaint filed by former Matlock writer John Lowe.”

The statement continued, “As stated in the motion and following a thorough investigation, we are confident that Lowe’s accusations are demonstrably inaccurate and maliciously fabricated, and will not allow them to go unchallenged.”

“False allegations are deeply damaging, both to those wrongly accused and to anyone with a serious and legitimate claim of discrimination,” the spokesperson added. “We stand firmly behind our producers and look forward to the truth coming to light.”

Lowe’s attorney, Ron Zambrano, told Variety that they had not yet been served the motion; therefore, he couldn’t comment on the specifics. “But I am confident we will successfully oppose the motion as the complaint was drafted with that possibility in mind,” he noted.

According to Lowe’s lawsuit, he was allegedly terminated after reporting Urman for referring to Juneteenth as “Coonteenth.” Lowe also claimed that shortly after joining the show, he was told that, based on his race and shoe size, he must be “well-endowed down there.”

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“There is no excuse for this blatant racism and harassment. CBS should be ashamed for allowing it, and the Matlock showrunner and producers should be held accountable,” Zambrano said at the time. “Mr. Lowe was subjected to degrading and unlawful conduct. He deserved to be treated with dignity and respect, as everyone should expect in the workplace, not subjected to these outrageous and illegal racial slurs and sexual harassment without any connection to his work on the show.”

In declarations, Urman, Renna, Lieber, and other witnesses disputed Lowe’s claims, saying they never happened. Urman also claimed that 18 months after he departed Matlock, Lowe emailed her demanding $10,000. She said she notified HR, and that Lowe’s first complaint to HR came after she’d reported his $10,000 email.

Back in June, CBS Studios said it investigated the allegations and found no evidence. “We are committed to maintaining a safe and respectful environment for everyone and take all workplace complaints seriously,” a company spokesperson stated. “In this instance, a thorough investigation was completed, and we were unable to find support for his allegations. We look forward to vigorously defending this lawsuit.”

Matlock premiered on CBS on October 17, 2024, starring Kathy Bates in a gender-flipped reboot of the original Andy Griffith legal drama. The show was renewed for a third season back in January and is scheduled to premiere in early 2027.

Matlock, Season 3 Premiere, 2027, CBS