Leah Lewis has finally spoken out following the controversy surrounding her Matlock co-star David Del Rio, who was accused of s**ual assault by the actress in September 2025. The incident reportedly took place in the Paramount parking lot, and CBS confirmed that David was removed from the set and later fired on October 2, 2025, the same day the report was filed. His dismissal came just days before the news broke publicly, sending shockwaves through the entertainment industry and among fans of the show.
After filing the official complaint, Leah took to Instagram to share a heartfelt update about how she has been coping. Posting a photo of herself with her mother, she wrote a message that radiated strength and gratitude, saying that her mother was by her side and that they were moving forward with love. She thanked her fans and the public for the outpouring of support she has received, adding that she wanted the takeaway from her message to be about strength, emphasizing that she was in good hands and ready to move forward.
CBS swiftly launched an internal investigation into the allegations, prioritizing the safety and well-being of everyone involved. Following this, the network decided to write David Del Rio’s character, Billy Martinez, out of the series. His on-screen presence had been significant, as he frequently appeared alongside Leah Lewis’s character as one of the young lawyers working with Kathy Bates’s Madeline “Matty” Matlock and Skye P. Marshall’s Olympia Lawrence.
Despite the controversy, production on the second season of Matlock has continued, with the show scheduled to premiere on October 12, 2025. Due to a pre-planned production break, the series will go on a short hiatus next week and resume airing new episodes in November after Thanksgiving. CBS has reassured fans that while the removal of David’s character will bring changes to the storyline, the transition will be handled thoughtfully to maintain the show’s continuity and quality.
As the investigation proceeds and the show moves forward, Leah Lewis’s statement has been met with overwhelming support from fans and colleagues alike. Many have praised her courage and resilience in addressing such a sensitive matter publicly, standing strong in the face of an incredibly difficult situation.