CBS Sides With Leah Lewis as Reopened 'Matlock' Investigation Upholds David Del Rio Firing

Network review of allegations involving Leah Lewis and co-star David Del Rio has concluded without reversing an earlier termination; the decision keeps the actor off the series while the co-star named in the allegation continues with the production. The outcome matters for the show's cast stability and any legal next steps flagged by the fired actor's counsel.

What happened and what’s new

The network reopened an investigation into interactions between David Del Rio and Leah Lewis after Del Rio presented additional material intended to clear his name. After reviewing that material, the network did not alter its prior decision to terminate Del Rio's employment. Del Rio had denied claims that he allegedly sexually assaulted Leah Lewis on Paramount property in October.

Del Rio retained attorney Shawn Holley, who said that "The book is far from closed. " People familiar with the matter say Del Rio is pursuing all legal options. Del Rio had portrayed the character Billy Martinez on the series.

Leah Lewis has remained with the show and, on February 9 (ET), posted a photograph outside her trailer celebrating the program being picked up for a third season and expressing thanks to co-stars and the show's creator and producer. Del Rio has not publicly commented since the network reaffirmed its earlier determination.

Behind the headline: Leah Lewis, David Del Rio and the network decision

The new confirmation is procedural: the network ran a follow-up review after new materials were submitted by Del Rio and ultimately sustained its earlier outcome. Confirmed actors in this development include Leah Lewis, David Del Rio and Del Rio's attorney, Shawn Holley. Confirmed actions are Del Rio's presentation of new material to the network, the reopening of the internal probe, and the network's decision to keep the termination in place.

Also confirmed is that Leah Lewis remains part of the series' cast and publicly acknowledged a Season 3 pickup on February 9 (ET). The alleged incident under inquiry is identified as having occurred on Paramount property in October; the allegation itself remains framed in the context provided and Del Rio has denied it.

What we still don’t know

• Whether the network's review produced findings beyond the decision to retain the termination.
• Detailed content of the new materials Del Rio provided to the network during the reopened probe.
• Any formal legal filings or court actions initiated by Del Rio following the network's decision.
• Whether additional personnel or production changes will follow as a result of the decision.
• Exact timing and scope of any further public statements from the parties involved.

What happens next

• Del Rio pursues legal options: consistent with statements from those familiar with the matter and counsel remarks, Del Rio could file legal challenges or other proceedings. The attorney’s statement that the matter is not closed signals potential future legal activity.
• No further network action: the network may maintain its current personnel decision and move forward with the existing cast, with Leah Lewis continuing in her role.
• Public statements from parties: either Del Rio or the production may issue further comments or clarifications; as of the latest confirmed update, Del Rio has not made a public statement since the decision.
• Production adjustments: the series could proceed with casting adjustments already in effect, or modify plans depending on any legal developments or internal decisions not yet disclosed.

Why it matters

This development directly affects on-screen staffing and the immediate composition of the cast: one actor remains off the show while the other continues in the production and has publicly acknowledged the series' renewal for another season. It also sets the stage for potential legal activity, as counsel for the terminated performer has signaled continued efforts to challenge or respond to the network's decision.

Near-term implications include clarity for the show's production planning and public perception around the handling of an internal review tied to an allegation on studio property. The lack of reversal by the network closes one chapter of the process administratively, even as the attorney representing the fired actor has indicated further steps may follow.

Observers should watch for any filings or formal legal notices and for any additional commentary from the actor, the attorney, or representatives of the series' production in the coming days.