The allegation of sexual assault was made by his Matlock co-star, Leah Lewis
A star from Matlock is facing serious allegations and potential repercussions.
According to TvLine David Del Rio has been dismissed from the CBS courtroom drama, as confirmed by a source for TVLine, following reports of an incident involving the actor. An investigation took place, leading to the show's decision to part ways with Del Rio. His character will be written off immediately, although it remains unclear how many episodes he will appear in for the upcoming Season 2. Currently, the show is on hiatus from filming until November after finishing production on the first half of the season.
No official details about the alleged incident have been released. However, TMZ, which was the first to report the news, states that Del Rio has been accused of sexually assaulting co-star Leah Lewis on Paramount property. He was reportedly escorted off the Paramount lot last week as soon as the allegations arose.
Del Rio played the role of young associate Billy Martinez on Matlock, appearing in all 19 episodes of its first season. He frequently worked alongside Lewis's fellow associate, Sarah Franklin, as part of the young talent at the law firm, although their characters were not romantically linked.
Matlock stars Kathy Bates as Matty, an aging but whip-smart legal mind who infiltrates a high-end law firm looking for proof of a cover-up in an opioid death lawsuit that she blames for her daughter’s death. Skye P. Marshall co-stars, along with Jason Ritter, Lewis, Sam Anderson and Aaron Harris.
Season 2 of Matlock debuts this Sunday at 8:30/7:30c on CBS at a special night and time before settling into its regular time slot Thursday, Oct. 16 at 9 pm.
