‘Matlock’ Actor David Del Rio Fired Following Alleged Sexual Assault Report

CBS has confirmed that actor David Del Rio has been removed from the legal drama Matlock following allegations of sexual assault, though the network declined to comment further on the matter. Reports from Deadline and Variety indicate that the incident involved a female co-star and prompted an internal investigation, which ultimately led to Del Rio’s exit from the series.

Allegations and Investigation

Del Rio, who portrays attorney Billy Martinez on Matlock, was reportedly escorted off the set last week after CBS Studios was alerted to the allegations. The network’s investigation examined the circumstances surrounding the alleged assault, though the identity of the accuser has not been publicly confirmed.

Deadline and Variety reported that the alleged assault and Del Rio’s subsequent firing occurred at the beginning of October 2025. Sources indicate that production staff acted swiftly to ensure the safety and well-being of the cast and crew while assessing the situation.

As of the publication of these reports, Del Rio’s representatives have not responded to requests for comment. CBS confirmed the actor’s departure but provided no additional details regarding disciplinary action or ongoing legal proceedings.

Impact on the Series

Matlock producers have announced that Del Rio’s character, Billy Martinez, will be written out of future episodes. The first half of the season has already been filmed and is scheduled to premiere on Sunday, October 12, 2025, as originally planned.

Production for the second half of the season will begin after a pre-planned hiatus in October and November. Sources confirm that this production break was unrelated to Del Rio’s departure and had been scheduled in advance for creative and logistical reasons.

Despite the abrupt exit, the show’s storyline will continue with its existing cast, which includes Kathy Bates as the titular Madeline Matlock, alongside Leah Lewis, Jason Ritter, Skye P. Marshall, Sam Anderson, and Yael Grobglas. Del Rio’s removal will likely require script adjustments to account for the absence of Billy Martinez, a key supporting character in the series’ initial episodes.

Background on Matlock

The CBS legal drama premiered in September 2024, starring Kathy Bates as Madeline Matlock, a septuagenarian attorney who joins a prestigious law firm while harboring a secret agenda. Bates’ performance earned her a nomination for the Emmy Award for Best Actress in a Drama Series, signaling critical acclaim for the show’s debut season.

Matlock explores themes of justice, morality, and the intricacies of law, combining legal procedural elements with the personal and professional struggles of its diverse cast of characters. Del Rio’s character, Billy Martinez, was introduced as a young, ambitious attorney navigating complex legal cases under Madeline Matlock’s mentorship.

Reactions from Cast and Crew

While the network has remained largely silent, sources indicate that the cast and crew responded professionally to the sudden development. CBS and the production team prioritized addressing the situation responsibly, ensuring that the work environment remained safe and respectful for all involved.

The abrupt nature of Del Rio’s departure has been described as “shocking” by insiders, though the swift action demonstrates the network’s commitment to workplace safety and accountability.

Broader Context

David Del Rio’s firing comes amid increasing scrutiny in the entertainment industry regarding misconduct allegations. In recent years, networks and studios have taken a more proactive stance in investigating reports of inappropriate behavior, prioritizing the protection of cast and crew. Matlock’s response reflects this ongoing industry-wide shift toward accountability and transparency.

As the series continues, adjustments to the storyline and character arcs will be necessary, but producers have expressed confidence that the show will maintain its momentum. Fans can expect the legal drama to proceed as scheduled, with Del Rio’s absence incorporated into the narrative in a manner consistent with the show’s ongoing themes.

What’s Next for Matlock

The upcoming episodes of Matlock will address the absence of Billy Martinez while continuing to explore the complex cases and character dynamics that have defined the series. Kathy Bates and the ensemble cast remain central to the show’s narrative, ensuring continuity despite recent developments.

CBS Studios has emphasized that safety, professionalism, and adherence to workplace standards are top priorities moving forward. The network is expected to continue monitoring the situation while supporting the production team and cast as filming progresses for the second half of the season.

Summary

In a sudden turn of events, David Del Rio has been removed from Matlock following allegations of sexual assault, prompting an internal investigation and immediate action by CBS Studios. The series will continue with Del Rio’s character written out, and production for the second half of the season will resume as planned.

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