CBS’s ‘Matlock’ Sexual Assault Scandal Sees New Twist With Reopened Investigation

The sexual assault case between the "Matlock" stars is coming to light once again.

A surprising turn of events for the show and the cast ensued after actress Leah Lewis went public with the sexual assault accusations against David Del Rio, her former co-star. Her blistering accusations resulted in a career turn-over for the actor.

Not only are careers affected, but the CBS "Matlock" crew immediately began working on a storyline change as the actor's character had to be cut off while the case remained hanging. 

The investigation into the sexual assault case made by Leah Lewis against David Del Rio has been reopened. CBS is taking another look at the facts and interviewing more people on the matter.

The network apparently made its move to reopen the case and gather more facts before the Thanksgiving holidays, and this time, even Del Rio is being interviewed.

Del Rio was kicked off the hit show after Lewis voiced out her accusations. He was immediately taken off the Paramount property, notably by the executive producer of the show.

No official statement has been made as CBS does not discuss legal matters. Yet, TMZ shares that his character on the show has been written off for further episodes.

Del Rio strongly denies the accusations and has hired the famous celebrity attorney, Shawn Holley, to represent his interests in the case.

Although he has yet to file any formal lawsuits against Lewis or CBS, his move to hire an attorney declares his intention to go to trial or to be fully prepared for that stage.

Del Rio is determined to prove the innocence he vehemently claims in court and is prepared to go the extra mile to achieve this. As the actor gets his fighting belt on, the LAPD revealed that there were no records or evidence of the actress's accusations.

The same day the accusations were made, CBS fired Del Rio and escorted him off the Paramount premises.

The show runners also started an internal investigation immediately to get to the bottom of the matter. The Blast also notes that the actor was kicked off by "Matlock's" executive producer, Eric Christian Olsen.

The writers and creative team started working on writing his charts for the show and future episodes. Hence, irrespective of the outcome of the findings, the deed is done, and Del Rio might not return to the show anymore.

Following Lewis' accusations, Del Rio maintained a low-key online presence. He returned to Instagram suddenly this month and shared a belated Thanksgiving photo featuring his family.

They posed beside an inflatable gingerbread man, smiling gleefully and in the full holiday spirit. The picture featured his wife, Katherine, and their daughters, Lilliam and Coco.

Prior to this, he stayed away from posting on social media after the allegations went viral. Page Six also shared that initially, the network didn't disclose the reason Del Rio left the show after confirming his exit.

The second half of season two of the show is set to air early in 2026. The executive producer, Jennie Snyder Urman, railed at fans, teasing them at the conclusion of the first half. 

Also, two new characters are being introduced to the cast. They are Sarah Wright Olsen and newcomer Henry Haber. Deadline revealed their roles on the show and notes that neither of them is coming in as a replacement for Del Rio.

Although she did not speak on the sexual assault case, she affirmed that Del Rio has made his final appearance on the show, describing the way his story ends as organic.

What is the next plot twist from CBS's "Matlock"