Leah Lewis’ costar David Del Rio now fighting CBS in arbitration over firing

Show summary Hide summary

• 🔥 Quick Facts
• Fired from Matlock Following Sara Franklin’s Allegations Against Billy Martinez
• What Del Rio Claims About the Alleged Incident
• The Matlock Cast and Network Response to the Scandal
• How Leah Lewis and Cast Members Responded to the Firing
• Will David Del Rio’s Arbitration Case Result in a Settlement or Full Trial?
  • Sources

David Del Rio, the 38-year-old actor fired from CBS’s Matlock after a sexual assault allegation, officially escalated his fight last week. He took CBS Studios to arbitration on March 4, 2026, claiming the network defamed him with false allegations that destroyed his professional reputation.

Fired from Matlock Following Sara Franklin’s Allegations Against Billy Martinez

The incident involving David Del Rio and actress Leah Lewis occurred in September 2025, just one month before it became public. Lewis reported the alleged assault to CBS in early October, and the network acted swiftly. Del Rio was fired and escorted off the lot the same day the report reached management officials. The actor played Billy Martinez, a first-year associate at the prestigious law firm in the series, while Lewis portrayed attorney Sarah Franklin. Their on-screen partnership was beloved by fans, making the scandal shocking across the entertainment industry.

CBS initiated an investigation into Del Rio’s conduct, and after reviewing the allegations, stood by its decision to terminate him from the show. The network later reopened its investigation in February 2026, concluding again on February 19, 2026, that Del Rio’s behavior warranted his dismissal. Despite the second review, CBS maintained its original firing decision.

What Del Rio Claims About the Alleged Incident

Del Rio’s legal team has taken an aggressive stance, telling Us Weekly that their client was subjected to false and misleading claims by CBS. According to the statement from his attorney, the actor plans to present real-time text communications and evidence that directly contradicts prior public characterizations of what transpired. His camp argues that this critical evidence was never fully considered before adverse employment action was taken.

Del Rio’s strategy in arbitration hinges on demonstrating that the incident was misrepresented and that CBS acted without sufficient review of his side of the story. The actor seeks to restore his professional reputation and hold the network accountable for what he believes is a wrongful termination driven by incomplete information.

The Matlock Cast and Network Response to the Scandal

Event	Date
Alleged Incident	September 2025
Leah Lewis Reports to CBS	Early October 2025
David Del Rio Fired	October 9, 2025
CBS Reopens Investigation	February 2026
CBS Confirms Firing Decision	February 19, 2026
Del Rio Initiates Arbitration	March 4, 2026

“Mr. Del Rio will present real-time text communications and evidence that directly contradicts prior public characterizations of the interaction at issue. This evidence was not fully considered before adverse employment action was taken.”

— David Del Rio’s Legal Team, Statement to Us Weekly

How Leah Lewis and Cast Members Responded to the Firing

Leah Lewis broke her silence weeks after the incident with a heartfelt Instagram post. The actress shared a photo with her mother and wrote, emphasizing strength and moving forward. She stated, “Mom is here, we’re moving forward in love and strength. I’m in good hands.” Lewis thanked supporters for their care and specifically highlighted that the takeaway should be about resilience during difficult times.

The broader Matlock cast showed solidarity with Lewis by unfollowing Del Rio on Instagram in a collective show of support. Production resumed after Thanksgiving in November 2025, and Lewis returned to film the final episodes of Season 2. Del Rio’s character Billy Martinez was written out of the show, with his exit explained through a layoff joke when the series returned from its winter break.

Will David Del Rio’s Arbitration Case Result in a Settlement or Full Trial?

Del Rio’s employment agreement with CBS requires him to pursue private arbitration instead of filing a public lawsuit, which significantly limits public disclosure of proceedings and evidence. This legal route is more confidential than a traditional court case, protecting both parties from extensive media scrutiny while the matter is resolved. The arbitration process typically involves a neutral third party reviewing both sides’ evidence before making a binding decision.

The outcome remains uncertain, but Del Rio’s confidence in his text evidence suggests he believes arbitration will vindicate him. If successful, the actor could potentially secure financial damages and a public statement clearing his name, fundamentally altering the narrative surrounding his Matlock exit. The case underscores ongoing tensions in Hollywood regarding allegations, due process, and the speed at which networks make employment decisions during investigations.

Sources

• Us Weekly – Comprehensive timeline and details on David Del Rio’s arbitration filing and legal statements.
• The Hollywood Reporter – Coverage of the legal proceedings and CBS’s response to Del Rio’s arbitration case.
• Deadline – Original reporting on Del Rio’s firing in October 2025 and recent arbitration announcement.