David Del Rio fired from ‘Matlock’ following allegations of sexual assault.

David Del Rio, known for his role in the revival of “Matlock,” has reportedly been terminated from the series following allegations of sexual assault against fellow cast member Leah Lewis. Sources indicate that the accusation stemmed from an incident that occurred on September 26, 2025, on Paramount property. The allegations were first brought to light on October 2, prompting an immediate response from the production team, which led to Del Rio being escorted off the set on the same day.

As a prominent figure in the series, Del Rio portrayed the character Billy Martinez throughout all 19 episodes of the show’s inaugural season. Leah Lewis, aged 28, also featured in all episodes, embodying the character Sarah Franklin. Following the allegations, it has been reported that Del Rio’s character will be written off the show. This development comes at a critical juncture, as the first half of the second season has already been filmed and is scheduled to premiere soon.

While CBS Studios and Paramount have not provided immediate comment on the situation, confirmation regarding Del Rio’s exit from the show has been reported by various media outlets, including Media News Source. The second season had an established production break, and sources indicate that fans should not expect to see Del Rio’s character in any remaining episodes.

The reboot of “Matlock,” which debuted in 2024, has been a notable success, with Kathy Bates receiving critical acclaim, including an Emmy nomination for Best Actress in a Drama. Despite this acclaim, she did not secure the award, which went to Britt Lower for her role in “Severance.”

Before taking on the role of Billy Martinez, Del Rio garnered recognition in television for appearances in other projects, including the Hulu series “Maddie” and ABC’s “The Baker and the Beauty,” both of which had limited runs. His current dismissal from “Matlock” marks a significant shift in his career trajectory and raises broader questions regarding workplace conduct in the entertainment industry.

As industry officials continue to address the serious nature of these allegations, the ramifications for the show’s future and its cast members remain to be fully explored.