‘Matlock’ Star David Del Rio Challenges CBS Firing in Legal Battle Over Sexual Assault Claims

Former “Matlock” star David Del Riohas filed an arbitration claim against CBS Studios following his October firing. Del Rio was written off the show after an investigation into an alleged sexual assault involving a female cast member. Through his attorney, Shawn Holley, Del Rio maintains that the studio failed to consider crucial evidence, including text messages, that he claims will "directly contradict" the allegations and prove the encounter was not as it was publicly characterized.

Attorney Shawn Holley released a brief statement on March 4, revealing that the former “Matlock” actor has text messages he claims will prove the allegations against him are false. He also claims that CBS fired him before they actually looked at all the facts. He’s confident that, once a judge sees the real evidence, his name will be cleared and he can get his career back.

“At the arbitration, Mr. Del Rio will present real-time text communications and evidence that directly contradicts prior public characterizations of the interaction at issue,” the Kinsella Weitzman Iser Kump & Aldisert partner said, as per Deadline. The statement went on to say:

“This evidence was not fully considered before adverse employment action was taken. Mr. Del Rio looks forward to resolving this matter through the appropriate legal forum and has faith that a full evidentiary review will establish the truth and restore his professional reputation.”

The publication broke the news that Del Rio was fired last October, stemming from an alleged incident on September 26 involving him and his co-star, Leah Lewis. Sources told Deadline that the incident happened in Lewis’ trailer and prompted an internal investigation. Del Rio was reportedly fired and personally escorted off the Paramount lot where they were filming the same day that the alleged sexual assault was reported.

Hours after the news made headlines, Lewis posted a photo of her and her mother on her Instagram Stories, writing, “Mom is here. We’re moving forward in love and strength. I’m in good hands. Thank you to everybody for any kind of support and care. Truly, we’re moving forward in strength. Key word, strength. Let that be the takeaway.”

The actor was a regular on the show, portraying Billy Martinez in the hit CBS legal drama starring Kathy Bates. The actor’s final appearance came in the December 4 episode titled “Prior Bad Acts.”

In the following episode, “Call It A Christmas Gift,” Billy does not appear. The characters say that he is taking a “personal day.” However, Sarah (Leah Lewis) later speaks with him by phone. In the one-sided conversation, Sarah learns that Billy’s girlfriend, Claude (Bella Ortiz), has miscarried. The conversation implies that Billy will take some time away job at the Jacobson Moore law firm in light of the tragic event.

Although many thought Billy would disappear from the show for good in light of that discussion, the season 2 midseason premiere seemed to mock his exit. In the episode, titled “Collateral,” Sarah and “Matty” Matlock are seen meeting with Gwen Easton (Sarah Wright-Olsen), a HR representative from Lamar and Olson, a law firm that is merging with Jacobson Moore.

When Gwen asks about Billy’s whereabouts, Sarah says that he is “out sick.” Gwen then jokes, “Yay! So no need for him to return! Job eliminated!”

If that statement wasn’t enough, Gwen later takes Sarah aside to ask if she, Billy, or Matty would be interested in the severance package being offered. Although Sarah assures her “That’s not going to happen,” it seems they might be setting up Billy’s exit for yet a second time.

After Entertainment Weekly shared a summary of the awkward joke, fans began to question how “necessary” that it was, given the sensitive nature of his departure. “I don’t think these scenes were necessary,” one fan wrote, while others questioned the nature of the investigation.

“Why fire him before the investigation was completed? Something is not adding up here,” another user asked, while another fan said that it simply came down to a matter of he said/she said.

Others pushed for Del Rio to return to the show, with one fan writing, “There hasn't even been a trial. The internet and networks seem to make decisions that people are automatically guilty. In this country, there is a policy of due process. I think she wanted a bigger part and had to get him off the show to get it. Never liked her. Bring him back.”