Another controversy has landed at the doorstep of CBS’s “Matlock.”
The latest complaint includes claims involving racist and sexual comments, adding to a growing list of issues connected to the show.
The latest lawsuit arrives months after “Matlock” was already linked to another workplace controversy, placing renewed attention on events behind the scenes.
‘Matlock’ Writer Files Explosive Lawsuit Against CBS
A former “Matlock” writer, John Lowe, has taken legal action against CBS and several members of the show’s creative team. The lawsuit alleges that the workplace culture behind the hit legal drama was far from professional.
Lowe, who joined the series in 2023 as an executive story editor, filed the lawsuit on June 17. Lowe reportedly accused creator Jennie Urman Snyder and fellow writers Nicki Renna and Jeffrey Lieber of fostering a workplace filled with discriminatory and sexually inappropriate conduct.
The former writer also claimed he was fired in retaliation after raising concerns about comments he found offensive. Lowe alleged the decision came shortly after he complained about one particular incident in the writers’ room.
The Lawsuit Detailed Alleged Racist And Sexual Remarks
Lowe’s complaint included several allegations about conversations that allegedly took place while he worked on the series. The former writer claimed he experienced repeated incidents that he considered racially and sexually offensive.
Details obtained by Us Weekly revealed that Lowe accused members of the writing staff of making racist and sexually explicit remarks. One allegation centered on a discussion about Juneteenth, while another involved comments about cast member Eme Ikwuakor.
The complaint further alleged that inappropriate comments were made about Lowe’s appearance and body. Lowe also claimed certain behavior in the writers’ room contributed to what he described as a hostile work environment. He is now seeking damages for emotional distress, lost income, and other related expenses.
The Show Was Already Facing A Major Controversy
The latest lawsuit is not the first workplace dispute linked to the CBS drama. Months before the new allegations surfaced, the series was already dealing with a separate controversy involving former cast member David Del Rio.
The Blast reported that Del Rio became the subject of an internal CBS investigation after allegations of sexual assault were made by co-star Leah Lewis. The actor strongly denied the claims and pushed for the findings of the investigation to be released publicly after it concluded.
Sources close to the actor claimed he was frustrated by how the situation was handled. Del Rio reportedly believed he had provided evidence supporting his innocence and wanted the network to share the outcome of its review. The dispute ultimately led to his removal from the series while the investigation remained ongoing.
David Del Rio Fought Back Against His Dismissal
Months after leaving the series, Del Rio continued pushing back against the allegations that ended his time on the show. The actor took legal action against CBS, arguing that key evidence had not been fully considered before he was removed from the production.
The Blast highlighted Del Rio’s arbitration claim, which alleged the network acted before reviewing all the available facts. Through his attorney, Shawn Holley, the former cast member maintained that text messages and other evidence would contradict previous accounts of the incident and support his version of events.
Del Rio also argued that the process damaged both his career and reputation. The actor expressed confidence that a full review of the evidence would clear his name. His challenge added another layer to a controversy that continues to cast a shadow over the hit CBS drama.
‘Matlock’ Faced Backlash Over How The Del Rio Fallout Was Handled
The controversy surrounding David Del Rio did not end with his departure from Matlock. Months after the actor was removed from the series, the show faced criticism from viewers over how it addressed his absence on screen.
The Blast reported that some fans took issue with dialogue in a later episode that appeared to make light of Billy Martinez’s exit from the law firm. The scene sparked debate online, with viewers questioning whether the jokes were appropriate given the serious allegations that had surrounded Del Rio’s departure.
The backlash also reignited discussions about CBS’s decision to remove the actor before the studio’s internal investigation had fully played out.
While some viewers supported the network’s actions, others argued that the situation raised questions about due process and how workplace misconduct allegations are handled in the entertainment industry.
As new allegations and old controversies continue to surface, will CBS finally put the growing questions surrounding “Matlock” to rest?