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Leah Lewis wins her case in a major showdown that left David Del Rio without a victory. CBS stood firm on its October firing decision after reopening the investigation in December. The network sided decisively with Lewis despite Del Rio’s attempt to clear his name.
🔥 Quick Facts
- Investigation Timeline: First incident reported October 2, alleged to have occurred September 26, 2025
- Initial Action: David Del Rio fired and removed from Matlock set same day in October
- Reopened Investigation: CBS reopened the case in December after Del Rio hired high-profile attorney
- Final Decision: CBS confirmed firing stands as of February 19, 2026, within the last 14 hours
CBS Investigation Concludes, Del Rio’s Firing Confirmed
CBS has closed its reopened investigation and maintained its original decision to terminate David Del Rio from the hit legal drama. The network did not change course despite the actor’s new evidence presentation through his legal team. According to sources familiar with the matter, the book is now closed on this case, ending months of deliberation.
Del Rio played Billy Martinez, an associate lawyer on the Kathy Bates-led show. He was fired and escorted off set in early October following the initial investigation. His attorney, powerhouse lawyer Shawn Holley, had demanded the network review additional details to clear his client’s name.
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Del Rio Hired High-Profile Attorney to Fight Allegations
In November, Del Rio retained Shawn Holley, a heavyweight legal representative who has represented Kim Kardashian, Justin Bieber, and numerous other high-profile clients. The lawyer pushed for a thorough second investigation, successfully convincing CBS to reopen its probe into the allegations. Holley’s team presented additional evidence they believed would exonerate her client.
Despite these efforts and Del Rio’s adamant denials, CBS determined the reopened investigation had not changed the original findings. The network’s decision came after interviewing additional parties, including Del Rio himself and representatives from both sides of the dispute.
Case Timeline and Investigation Details
| Event | Date |
| Alleged Incident Occurred | September 26, 2025 |
| Lewis Reported the Incident | October 2, 2025 |
| Del Rio Removed and Fired | October 9, 2025 |
| Investigation Reopened by CBS | December 10, 2025 |
| Reopened Investigation Concluded | February 4, 2026 |
| CBS Confirms Final Decision | February 19, 2026 |
“The book is far from closed.”
— Shawn Holley, David Del Rio’s Attorney
Leah Lewis Remains on Matlock, Show Receives Season 3 Renewal
Leah Lewis has remained committed to the show throughout the ordeal and continues working on Matlock as Sarah Franklin. In February, she posted a celebratory photo outside her trailer marking the show’s Season 3 renewal, thanking costars and creator Jennie Snyder Urman. Her continued presence on set confirms the network’s full support.
Season 2 of the revival took a pre-scheduled hiatus following Del Rio’s dismissal. Production resumed after Thanksgiving, and his character is now being written out in coming episodes. The show has been renewed through the 2026-27 television season, securing its future on CBS.
What Happens Next, and Can Del Rio Pursue Legal Action?
Del Rio’s attorney indicated that while CBS has closed its internal investigation, the actor is pursuing all legal options moving forward. This suggests potential civil litigation could follow, though the specific nature of any claims remains unclear at this time. The statement indicates the legal battle may be far from over despite CBS’s final determination.
The case stands as one of the most significant allegations to strike a major network drama in recent memory. With Matlock continuing as planned and Del Rio officially terminated, the outcome represents a clear victory for Lewis and validates CBS’s initial investigation findings. The network has demonstrated its commitment to workplace safety protocols by maintaining its position.
Sources
- TMZ – Reported CBS’s decision not to reverse Del Rio’s firing and quoted his attorney Shawn Holley on ongoing legal options
- TV Insider – Covered the reopened investigation timeline, initial incident details, and cast updates on Matlock’s future
- Yahoo Entertainment – Published updates on CBS standing by its decision and investigation conclusion details
