David Del Rio Files Arbitration Over Matlock Firing

Actor David Del Rio has filed an arbitration claim against CBS Studios, challenging his termination from the legal drama Matlock last fall amid allegations of sexual assault by his co-star Leah Lewis.

The proceedings, required under Del Rio's employment agreement, will address what his legal team describes as false and misleading claims that inflicted significant professional and reputational damage. Del Rio, 38, portrayed attorney Billy Martinez on the series, which stars Kathy Bates as a veteran lawyer rebuilding her career at a New York firm. He was removed from the production in October 2023 after an internal investigation into an incident reported on October 2. The alleged event occurred on Paramount property on September 26, 2023, according to reports from those familiar with the matter.

Del Rio's attorney, Shawn Holley, confirmed the arbitration filing in a statement on Wednesday. "David Del Rio has initiated arbitration against CBS Studios to address false and misleading allegations that caused substantial professional and reputational harm," Holley said. She added that during the confidential process, Del Rio intends to submit real-time text communications and other...