Leah Lewis has shared her thoughts on social media following the news that David Del Rio has been let go from the CBS show “Matlock” amid allegations of sexual assault.
In a post, the 28-year-old actress stated, “My mother is here. We are moving forward in love and strength. I will be okay. Thank you to everyone for all kinds of support and consideration.”
Lewis added, “Indeed, we are moving forward strongly. The keyword is strength,” posting a photo of herself and her mother. “Please take that home.”
This came just hours after it was reported that Del Rio, 38, was fired from the series, which features Kathy Bates, due to the allegations. An insider revealed that the incident supposedly involved Lewis and occurred on September 26. She reportedly reported it on October 2, and shortly after CBS began their investigation, Del Rio was said to be let go and escorted from the location.
CBS Studios did not comment specifically on the situation but confirmed Del Rio’s exit from the show.
Other sources indicate that Del Rio’s role will be written out in future episodes, although he will still appear in episodes that were filmed before the allegations surfaced. The series continues to film and is expected to take a break in October and November after wrapping up the first half of its second season.
Lewis portrays Sarah Franklin, a first-year associate at the fictional Jacobson Moore law firm, while Del Rio played Billy Martinez, another first-year employee on the show.
Showrunner Jenny Snyder Urman had mentioned in August that Del Rio’s character was set to have a larger role in the second season, which kicks off on October 12.
“I think of this drama as a friendship-romance, a story about people who come into your life, perhaps even more important than your romantic partner,” Urman explained shortly before Del Rio’s dismissal.
The reboot of “Matlock,” which premiered in September 2024, is a gender-swapped version of the original series that ran from 1986 to 1995 and starred Andy Griffith. Bates, 77, leads the cast along with Marshall, Lewis, and Jason Ritter as Madeline “Mattie” Matlock.
