CBS Reopens Probe Into Del Rio Assault Allegations
CBS has reopened its investigation into sexual assault allegations against David Del Rio, the actor who played Billy Martinez on the legal drama Matlock, following a complaint from his co-star Leah Lewis. The alleged incident occurred on September 26 in Lewis's trailer on the Paramount lot, and Del Rio was fired and removed from the set the same day the report was filed on October 2.
The network's decision to revisit the case came after Del Rio, represented by attorney Shawn Holley, requested a reinterview around Thanksgiving. According to reports, the studio granted the request and conducted additional interviews with other individuals based on Del Rio's new testimony. Del Rio has denied the allegations, but neither he nor CBS has provided further public comment on the ongoing probe. The Los Angeles Police Department has not received a matching report of the incident, per earlier accounts.
On the series, Del Rio's final on-screen appearance aired in episode seven, titled "Prior Bad Acts," on December 4. Showrunner Jennie Snyder Urman confirmed that Billy's storyline concluded organically in the fall finale on December 11, tying into broader plot developments at the law firm...