CBS has chosen to not reverse their decision to fireside David Del Rio from Matlock after reopening an investigation into allegations of sexual assault.
The network’s supplemental investigation concluded with CBS standing by their original decision to dismiss Del Rio, 38, from the show. Entertainment Weekly confirmed on Friday, February 20, that the investigation has been accomplished, with the network declining to comment on the matter as a result of an organization policy of not addressing legal matters.
Del Rio, for his part, has yet to talk out after he departed the show in October 2025. News broke on the time about an alleged incident involving David and his then-costar Leah Lewis, which took place one month prior. Del Rio was “fired and escorted off the lot the identical day the alleged assault was reported,” in keeping with reports released on the time.
Lewis, 29, broke her silence on the time by sharing a photograph along with her mother from set.
“Mom is here, we’re moving forward in love and strength. I’m in good hands,” she wrote via Instagram. “Thanks to everybody for any form of support and care. Truly, we’re moving forward in strength. Key word, strength. Please, let that be the take away.”
David’s wife, Katherine Del Rio, posted her own Instagram Stories calling Lewis a “disturbing human being” before deleting them hours later. Us Weekly subsequently confirmed in December 2025 that CBS reopened its investigation into the incident.
“David has provided evidence, including text messages between David and Leah and names of witnesses who’re willing to speak,” a source exclusively told Us in January. “In light of the evidence, the investigation was reopened.”
The insider claimed David had “evidence and witnesses that he believes could disprove Leah’s allegation,” adding, “David’s team believes he was fired without appropriate due process or a correct investigation.”
On screen, David’s character, Billy, was already written off when he told Sarah (Lewis) about his girlfriend suffering a miscarriage. The actor hadn’t filmed any latest scenes since then, so he won’t appear within the second half of the season when it returns on Thursday, February 26.
David previously spoke to Us in May 2025 in regards to the show committing to the paternity twist involving Billy and his ex. “I’m really excited to see how Billy handles the work balance with the private balance of all of it,” he shared before the season 2 premiere.
Lewis also weighed in on what was awaiting Sarah in season 2 in the course of the joint interview.
“I remember reading the finale and hoping at the top that Sarah was going to get away scot-free with this excellent victory. In fact the thing happens with Simone and he or she might must take accountability,” Lewis hinted. “To be honest, that is where we actually get to see if Sarah can step as much as the plate for the thing that she has been begging for, asking for and dealing so hard for. You wish to get treated like an enormous dog. We’ll start acting like an enormous dog. I feel like this season we’ll definitely probably get to see her mature a bit more on that aspect. Her skilled win is just not over yet.”
Matlock returns to CBS Thursday, February 26, at 9 p.m. ET.