David Del Rio, known for his role in CBS’s legal drama “Matlock,” was recently dismissed from the cast following serious allegations of sexual assault. The incident reportedly occurred on September 26, 2023, and was officially reported on October 2, prompting CBS Studios to initiate an investigation. The studio concluded its inquiry swiftly, leading to Del Rio being escorted off set while filming for Season 2 continues.
Allegations and Response
After the news of Del Rio’s firing broke, Leah Lewis, who co-stars with him, posted on her Instagram Stories. She shared a photograph of herself and her mother, expressing sentiments of moving forward in strength and gratitude for the support received. Her message seemed to reflect resilience in the face of the unfolding situation.
Katherine Del Rio, David’s wife, reacted strongly to Lewis’s post. She described Lewis as “disturbing” and shared a zoomed-in image of the actress with a critical caption on her own Instagram account. In a subsequent post, Katherine showcased a picture with her mother, echoing Lewis’s narrative but highlighting the impact of the situation on their family. This led to a public dispute between the two actresses over social media.
Impact on “Matlock”
- David Del Rio’s character, Billy Martinez, will no longer appear in the series.
- Leah Lewis plays Sarah Franklin, his legal partner in the show.
- The second season of “Matlock” is scheduled to premiere on October 12, 2023.
The series is currently on a break, with filming set to resume after Thanksgiving. Both actors had been working closely together, sharing various scenes throughout the season.
About Leah Lewis
Leah Lewis, known for her previous role as Georgia Fan in the CW’s “Nancy Drew,” has a unique personal background. Adopted from an orphanage in Shanghai as an infant, she shares this narrative with her character in “Matlock.” Her younger sister, Lydia, was also adopted from the same orphanage. In addition to her acting career, Lewis has a passion for music, singing, and playing guitar.
David and Katherine Del Rio
David Del Rio and Katherine Del Rio first met in 2010 after Katherine attended a Broadway performance of “In the Heights,” where David performed. They began dating after their initial encounter and were married eight years later. The couple has two children and has built a family together amid their respective careers in the entertainment industry.
If you or someone you know has experienced sexual assault, it’s essential to seek help. The Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network (RAINN) offers support through its National Helpline at 1-800-656-HOPE (4673). For immediate danger, always call 911.
