The Matlock reboot faces turmoil after actor David Del Río was removed from the series following an internal investigation into alleged misconduct involving co-star Leah Lewis. The drama deepened when Del Río’s wife, Katherine Del Río, publicly criticized Lewis in a now-deleted Instagram post, calling her “the most disturbing human being.” The controversy has since gone viral, drawing sharp reactions from fans and sparking debates about on-set behavior, accountability, and professionalism in Hollywood.
The reboot of CBS’s Matlock, which was meant to be a triumphant return for one of TV’s most iconic legal dramas, is now mired in scandal. Actor David Del Río, who played attorney Billy Martínez, was fired from the show following an internal investigation into alleged sexual assault involving his co-star Leah Lewis.
What followed next sent shockwaves across social media — Del Río’s wife, Katherine Del Río, lashed out at Lewis publicly, escalating a private workplace incident into a national entertainment controversy.
The Incident That Sparked It All
Reports surfaced in early October 2025 that CBS had terminated David Del Río after allegations of sexual misconduct were brought to the network’s attention. According to insiders, the complaint came from actress Leah Lewis, known for her work on The Half of It and her current role in Matlock as Sarah Franklin.
The alleged incident reportedly occurred during production, prompting CBS to launch an immediate internal investigation. Within days, Del Río’s contract was terminated, and he was removed from the set.
While the specific details remain confidential, CBS confirmed his dismissal, stating that it was “a decision made following a thorough internal review to ensure a safe and respectful work environment.”
Leah Lewis Breaks Her Silence
After the news of Del Río’s firing broke, Leah Lewis shared a message on Instagram addressing the situation indirectly but emotionally.
“Mom is here. We’re moving forward in love and strength. I’m in good hands,” she wrote. “Thank you for any kind of support and care. We’re moving forward in strength.”
Her post, while brief, was widely interpreted as a message of resilience and gratitude toward supporters who reached out during the unfolding situation.
Lewis has since refrained from discussing further details publicly, but her statement received overwhelming support from both fans and fellow industry professionals.
Katherine Del Río’s Explosive Reaction
As Leah Lewis’s message gained traction, Katherine Del Río, David’s wife, took to social media to share her side — and her posts quickly became the center of controversy.
In a now-deleted Instagram Story, Katherine reportedly shared a photo of Leah Lewis with the caption:
“This is the most disturbing human being I have ever met.”
In another post, she seemingly mimicked Lewis’s earlier statement, writing:
“We’re moving forward in love and strength after what Leah did to our family.”
Screenshots of the posts circulated rapidly across social media platforms, with many fans criticizing Katherine for publicly targeting another woman amid serious allegations. Others, however, defended her emotional reaction, calling it a sign of frustration and disbelief.
Within hours, the posts were deleted — but by then, the damage was done.
David Del Río’s Silence and Fallout
Since his dismissal, David Del Río has not released a public statement addressing the allegations or his wife’s comments. The actor, known for roles in Pitch Perfect and Grease: Live!, had been a key part of Matlock’s ensemble cast.
According to reports, episodes featuring Del Río that were already filmed before his removal will still air, but his character will be written out of the series moving forward.
CBS has confirmed that production on Matlock will continue as scheduled, but writers are expected to make significant changes to the storyline to account for the sudden absence of his character.
The Internet Reacts
The incident has divided fans online. Social media users have been quick to voice opinions about both the allegations and the behavior of Del Río’s wife.
On X (formerly Twitter), reactions ranged from outrage to sympathy:
- “If the allegations are true, CBS did the right thing. There’s no excuse for that behavior,” one user wrote.
- Another countered, “His wife is just defending someone she loves. Imagine what she’s going through.”
Meanwhile, entertainment forums and Reddit threads dissected Katherine’s posts, with many calling them “unprofessional” and “damaging to her husband’s case.”
The Impact on Matlock’s Future
Matlock, starring Kathy Bates as the brilliant attorney Madeline “Matty” Matlock, premiered earlier this year to positive reviews and strong ratings. The show’s modern reboot was intended to capture a new audience while honoring the charm of the original series.
However, this off-screen controversy threatens to overshadow the show’s early success. Sources close to CBS suggest that while the network remains committed to continuing production, it is “reevaluating its internal safety protocols and cast relationships” to prevent similar issues in the future.
As of now, Season 2 of Matlock is still scheduled to premiere on October 12, 2025, with a midseason break already planned.
Hollywood’s Larger Reckoning
The situation surrounding David Del Río echoes broader themes in Hollywood regarding workplace conduct and accountability.
Over the past decade, the entertainment industry has undergone a major transformation, with networks taking swift disciplinary action in response to misconduct claims — a stark contrast to past decades where such issues were often ignored or downplayed.
CBS’s decision to remove Del Río immediately after an internal review reflects a continued commitment to maintaining a safe environment for all actors and crew members.
Industry analysts believe this case will likely become part of ongoing discussions about power dynamics, public accountability, and how personal behavior affects careers in the entertainment world.
What’s Next for the Key Players
- Leah Lewis is expected to continue her role in Matlock, with reports indicating she has the full support of CBS and the show’s producers.
- David Del Río’s future in television remains uncertain, as no new projects have been announced since his firing.
- Katherine Del Río has not issued an apology or clarification following the backlash from her posts.
As the story continues to unfold, fans await whether either of the involved parties will make further statements or take legal action.
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FAQs
Q1. Why was David Del Río fired from Matlock?
David Del Río was dismissed following an internal CBS investigation into an alleged sexual assault involving his co-star Leah Lewis.
Q2. Did Leah Lewis confirm the allegations publicly?
No. Leah Lewis made a short Instagram statement focusing on gratitude and strength but did not discuss details of the allegation.
Q3. What did Katherine Del Río say about Leah Lewis?
Katherine Del Río called Lewis “the most disturbing human being” in a now-deleted Instagram Story, sparking major online backlash.
Q4. How did CBS respond to the controversy?
CBS confirmed that Del Río’s contract had been terminated after an internal review but declined to share additional details.
Q5. Will Matlock continue without David Del Río?
Yes. The series will move forward without Del Río’s character, with the storyline adjusted accordingly for upcoming episodes.
Q6. What message does this incident send about Hollywood’s culture?
It reflects a growing intolerance for misconduct and a stronger emphasis on creating safe, accountable workplaces across the entertainment industry.
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