Full Breakdown
David Del Rio Initiates Arbitration Against CBS Following Firing from Matlock
3/5/2026, 7:06:21 AM
Overview of the Incident
David Del Rio, an actor known for his role as Billy Martinez in CBS's legal drama *Matlock*, was fired in October 2022 following allegations of sexual assault involving his co-star Leah Lewis. The incident reportedly occurred on September 26, 2022, in Lewis's trailer on the *Matlock* set, prompting an internal investigation by CBS Studios. Del Rio was escorted off the Paramount lot on the same day the allegations were reported.
Arbitration Proceedings
In response to his dismissal, Del Rio has initiated arbitration against CBS Studios, claiming that the allegations against him are false and misleading, which have caused significant professional and reputational harm. His attorney, Shawn Holley, stated that Del Rio will present real-time text communications and evidence that contradicts previous public characterizations of the incident. Holley emphasized that this evidence was not fully considered prior to the adverse employment action taken against Del Rio.
CBS's Position and Investigation
CBS Studios has declined to comment on the arbitration or the ongoing investigations related to Del Rio. However, they confirmed that Del Rio has officially departed from the series and that his character was written out following the allegations. The nature of the allegations was later revised from "sexual assault" to "unwanted sexual conduct," although CBS did not comment on this change.
Reactions from Key Figures
Leah Lewis, Del Rio's co-star, has not directly addressed the allegations but shared a vague statement on her Instagram shortly after Del Rio's departure, expressing gratitude for support and emphasizing the importance of moving forward with strength. Meanwhile, CBS has reiterated its decision to remove Del Rio from the show, maintaining that the investigation upheld their initial findings.
Criticism and Opposition
Critics of CBS's handling of the situation have raised concerns about the swift action taken against Del Rio without a thorough examination of the evidence. Del Rio's legal team argues that the arbitration process will allow for a more comprehensive review of the facts surrounding the allegations.
What's Next
The arbitration process will be overseen by mediators from JAMS, and Del Rio is hopeful that a full evidentiary review will restore his professional reputation. As the situation unfolds, the outcomes of the arbitration and any further developments in the investigation will be closely monitored by both the entertainment industry and the public.
Verbatim Quotes
- “David Del Rio has initiated arbitration against CBS Studios to address false and misleading allegations that caused substantial professional and reputational harm,” — Shawn Holley, Attorney for David Del Rio
- “This evidence was not fully considered before adverse employment action was taken.” — Shawn Holley, Attorney for David Del Rio
- “Mom is here, we're moving forward in love and strength. I'm in good hands,” — Leah Lewis, Co-star of *Matlock*
