Former Matlock writer sues CBS for hostile work environment

A former writer for the CBS series "Matlock" has filed a lawsuit alleging he was subjected to a hostile work environment and then fired after reporting racist and sexually harassing behavior by the show's leadership. The complaint was filed on Wednesday, June 17, 2026, in California state court.

John Lowe, who was hired as an executive story editor in October 2023, named CBS Television Studios, showrunner Jennie Snyder Urman, and executive producers Nicki Renna and Jeffrey Lieber as defendants. The suit alleges the workplace was "permeated by explicit and discriminatory conduct" directed at Lowe and other Black cast and crew members.

Among the specific allegations, Lowe claims that on or about June 19, 2025, when he inquired about observing the Juneteenth holiday, showrunner Urman referred to it using a racial slur, calling it "Coonteenth." The lawsuit states the comment shocked Lowe and colleagues within earshot. He alleges he was verbally fired without written justification just days later, in July 2025, which he contends was retaliation for flagging the conduct.

The complaint further details other alleged incidents. Lowe claims executive producer Nicki Renna made a racially...