CBS has reaffirmed its decision to fire David Del Rio from the cast of “Matlock” following a renewed investigation into allegations of misconduct. Del Rio, who played the character Billy Martinez, was dismissed from the show in October after an alleged incident came to light.
His character was written out of the midseason finale, and viewers will not see him return to the legal drama. CBS’s investigation confirmed the network’s stance on his exit, and production continued without Del Rio before going on a planned hiatus. The last time he appeared on the show was during the December 4 episode titled “Prior Bad Acts.” Following his dismissal, Billy Martinez was said to be taking a “personal day” in the midseason finale and did not appear on-screen.
Reports suggest the incident involved a sexual assault allegation connected to Leah Lewis, who plays Billy’s colleague, Sarah. While both Del Rio and Lewis have kept their comments private, Lewis addressed her situation indirectly through social media, emphasizing strength and support during that time.
Following the incident, Lewis has returned to production for the second half of the season. On Instagram, she shared her excitement about the show being renewed for a third season, expressing appreciation for the cast, guest stars, and crew that contribute to the series’ success.
“Matlock” is set to return on February 26 at 9 p.m. ET/PT on CBS, promising fans a continuation of the engaging legal drama with a focus on new storylines and challenges ahead for its characters. The show’s renewal indicates a positive reception and strong viewer interest, ensuring that the series remains a staple of CBS’s lineup.