‘Matlock’ Star Leah Lewis Speaks Out After David Del Río’s Firing Over Sexual Assault Allegations

Leah Lewis has spoken publicly for the first time since her Matlock co-star David Del Río was fired from the CBS legal drama amid sexual assault allegations. The actor was removed from the series following an internal investigation into an alleged incident involving Lewis on September 26, 2025.

The development has shocked fans and cast members of the rebooted courtroom drama, which stars Kathy Bates. Lewis, who portrays first-year associate Sarah Franklin, addressed the controversy on Instagram, sharing a message about resilience and support from her family as the show moves forward.

Leah Lewis Breaks Silence After David Del Río’s Firing

In a heartfelt Instagram Story, Leah Lewis shared a photo with her mother, thanking fans and friends for their outpouring of support. “Mom is here, we’re moving forward in love and strength. I’m in good hands,” she wrote. “Thank you to everybody for any kind of support and care.”

She continued, “Truly, we’re moving forward in strength. Key word, strength. Please, let that be the takeaway.” The message marked her first public comment since news of Del Río’s dismissal surfaced earlier in the day.

According to reports, David Del Río was terminated and escorted off the set of Matlock on the same day the alleged incident was reported. The internal investigation confirmed the claims, leading to his removal from the series. Del Río portrayed Billy Martínez, a fellow first-year associate at the fictional law firm Jacobson Moore, where the show is set.

Production sources told major outlets that filming for the first half of Season 2 had already been completed before Del Río’s firing. The show will enter a pre-planned hiatus and is expected to resume filming after Thanksgiving. CBS has not yet announced whether the role of Billy Martínez will be recast or written out of future episodes.

Matlock Season 2 Continues Amid Scandal

The firing of David Del Río comes just days before the premiere of Matlock Season 2, scheduled for October 12, 2025. Despite the controversy, CBS has confirmed that the season will debut as planned, with six episodes already completed.

The series stars Academy Award winner Kathy Bates as the titular attorney, Madeline “Matty” Matlock, alongside Lewis, Skye P. Marshall, and Jason Ritter. The reboot, which premiered in 2024, is a modern reimagining of the beloved 1980s legal drama. It follows Matlock as she joins a prestigious law firm and takes on high-stakes cases with a new generation of lawyers.

Industry insiders note that sexual misconduct allegations on major network productions often lead to swift consequences, as networks aim to protect cast members, maintain workplace safety, and preserve public trust. CBS has not issued a detailed public statement but emphasized its commitment to a safe working environment.

Reactions and Industry Impact

The firing of David Del Río has sparked significant discussion among fans and in Hollywood. Many viewers praised Leah Lewis for her strength and resilience, flooding her social media with messages of support. Others called on networks to increase safeguards on sets and ensure transparent investigations in similar cases.

The incident also raises broader questions about how shows handle serious allegations mid-production. With part of the season already filmed, the series may face editing challenges or storyline adjustments if Del Río’s character was central to ongoing plots. However, CBS has reiterated that the production schedule will continue without delay.

The controversy surrounding Leah Lewis, David Del Río, and the sexual assault allegations on the set of Matlock underscores the ongoing need for accountability in the entertainment industry. As Lewis herself emphasized, strength will define the next chapter — both for her and for the series.

FYI (keeping you in the loop)-

Q1: What did Leah Lewis say after David Del Río’s firing?

Leah Lewis thanked fans for their support and emphasized moving forward with “love and strength,” calling “strength” the key takeaway.

Q2: Why was David Del Río fired from Matlock?

Del Río was fired following an internal investigation into sexual assault allegations stemming from a September 26 incident involving Leah Lewis.

Q3: When does Matlock Season 2 premiere?

Matlock Season 2 premieres on October 12, 2025. Filming for the first half of the season was completed before Del Río’s dismissal.

Q4: What role did David Del Río play?

He played Billy Martínez, a first-year associate at Jacobson Moore and a colleague of Leah Lewis’ character, Sarah Franklin.

Q5: Will David Del Río’s character be recast?

CBS has not confirmed whether the role will be recast or written out, but production is set to resume after Thanksgiving.