David Del Rio’s “Matlock” Character Is Mentioned for First Time Since Actor Was Fired for Alleged Sexual Assault

**David Del Rio Exits CBS’s ‘Matlock’ Following Sexual Assault Allegations**

David Del Rio has been officially removed from the cast of CBS’s legal drama series ‘Matlock’ following allegations of sexual assault. The actor’s character, Billy Martinez, was last seen in the show on 4 December, with his absence being addressed in subsequent episodes.

The allegations surfaced in late September, when Leah Lewis, 28, accused Del Rio of sexual assault. Following the report, Del Rio was dismissed from the set of ‘Matlock’ on 2 October, marking a swift response by the network. An investigation was launched immediately, leading to a decisive parting of ways between Del Rio and the production team.

In the midseason premiere aired on 26 February, the show’s narrative incorporated references to Del Rio’s character. During a meeting led by HR representative Gwen, played by Sarah Wright-Olsen, the other characters discussed Billy’s absence. Notably, Sarah, portrayed by Leah Lewis, quipped that Billy was “very, very sick,” to which Matty Matlock, played by Kathy Bates, added, “And we’ve got him covered.” The light-hearted exchange served as an attempt to fill the void left by Del Rio’s character in the storyline.

Showrunner Jennie Snyder Urman had stated prior to the episode that Billy’s exit would be integrated into the series organically. She declined to provide specific details but confirmed viewers would learn about his fate as part of the overall narrative involving the other characters. This kind of storytelling aims to maintain continuity and coherence within the show’s plot.

In response to the incident that led to Del Rio’s departure, Leah Lewis utilised social media to address her fans. She shared a message of resilience and strength, posting a photo of herself with her mother while on set. “Mom is here, we’re moving forward in love and strength. I’m in good hands,” she wrote, expressing gratitude for the support she received. She emphasised the importance of strength in overcoming adversity, indicating a commitment to moving forward in a positive way.

Despite the disruption caused by the allegations, production on ‘Matlock’ has since resumed. Lewis confirmed this in early December, sharing her excitement on Instagram about getting back to filming season two. She posted a cheerful picture of herself in costume, signalling the cast’s determination to continue despite the challenges they faced.

Del Rio played a prominent role in the first season of ‘Matlock,’ often sharing scenes with Lewis, who portrayed budding lawyer Sarah Franklin. Their characters were part of a revamped take on the classic 1980s series. The current iteration of ‘Matlock’ has been noted for its gender-swapped lead, with Bates’s portrayal reflecting a modern twist on the legal drama genre.

The series, which continues to air on Thursdays at 9 p.m. ET on CBS, is part of a broader trend in television to explore contemporary issues, including the serious subject of sexual misconduct. The impact of the Me Too movement can be seen throughout the industry, with many networks taking swift action in response to allegations against prominent individuals.

Viewers interested in the latest developments and the show’s future can tune in weekly as ‘Matlock’ navigates this unexpected chapter. The series aims to retain its audience’s interest while addressing significant real-world matters within its storytelling framework.

For anyone affected by the issues raised in this article, assistance is available through the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 1-800-656-HOPE (4673) or through rainn.org.