Leah Lewis is back on the set of Matlock as filming for season 2 resumes following the firing of David Del Rio due to sexual assault allegations. The CBS legal drama had been on a pre-planned hiatus while the first part of the season aired, and it was reported that Del Rio would no longer be part of upcoming episodes. Lewis, 28, shared her excitement about returning to work by posting a photo on her Instagram Stories on Monday, December 1. In the picture, she can be seen dressed as her character, Sarah Franklin, in a smart button-up blouse and tie, alongside the caption “@matlockcbs ❤️And we back up and running”.
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According to reports, Del Rio, 38, was accused of sexually assaulting Lewis in late September, leading to his removal from the Matlock set at Paramount Studios on October 2. An investigation was promptly conducted, resulting in the network severing ties with Del Rio. Lewis, in response to the incident, expressed gratitude for the support received from fans and shared a message of moving forward with strength and love, accompanied by a photo with her mother on set. She emphasised the importance of strength as a key takeaway from the situation.
Del Rio and Lewis shared the screen in the debut season of Matlock, portraying young lawyers Billy Martinez and Sarah Franklin respectively, working alongside Kathy Bates as Madeline “Matty” Matlock and Skye P. Marshall as Olympia Lawrence. The series, a modern-day reboot of the classic 1980s legal drama, found itself in the spotlight as cameras resumed rolling for the second season after a brief hiatus through Thanksgiving. It was confirmed that Del Rio’s character would not feature in the upcoming episodes of the show.
As Matlock continues to air on CBS, fans can witness the ongoing developments in the series on Thursdays at 9 p.m. ET. The show’s return to production marks a significant moment for the cast and crew amidst the challenges faced with Del Rio’s departure following the allegations. Lewis’s resilience and dedication to her role as Sarah Franklin shine through as she resumes filming, demonstrating professionalism and strength in the face of adversity.
In light of the allegations and the subsequent actions taken by the network, issues of workplace behaviour and accountability are brought to the forefront. As conversations around creating safe and respectful environments in the entertainment industry persist, instances like these serve as reminders of the importance of addressing misconduct promptly and supporting those affected. Matlock’s handling of the situation serves as an example of taking decisive measures to ensure a workplace that upholds values of respect and integrity.
The return to filming for Matlock following the departure of David Del Rio reflects the resilience and commitment of the cast and crew to delivering quality entertainment amidst challenges. Leah Lewis’s return to set signals a sense of unity and determination to move forward with the production, showcasing professionalism and dedication to her craft. As viewers anticipate the unfolding of the series, the impact of recent events adds layers of complexity to the narrative both on and off-screen, prompting reflections on the dynamics of workplace culture and accountability in the industry.