CBS's hit legal drama *Matlock* has swiftly terminated one of its series regulars following a shocking allegation of sexual assault. David Del Rio, who portrayed the charismatic attorney Billy Martinez on the show, was dismissed after an incident involving him and a female cast member, sources confirmed exclusively to *The Hollywood Reporter*.
CBS Studios, the production company behind *Matlock*, launched an immediate investigation into the claims. The inquiry culminated in Del Rio’s abrupt dismissal last week, during which he was reportedly escorted off the set in a scene that sent ripples through the production. CBS Studios has declined to comment on the ongoing situation.
The news comes as *Matlock* enjoys a breakout success in its inaugural season, captivating audiences with an average of 16 million cross-platform viewers over 35 days. A modern reimagining of the beloved 1980s–’90s series starring Andy Griffith, this reboot centers on Kathy Bates as a legendary lawyer reigniting her career at a high-stakes New York firm. The ensemble cast also includes Skye P. Marshall, Jason Ritter, and Leah Lewis.
Created by Jennie Snyder Urman and executive-produced by a powerhouse team including Joanna Klein, Eric Christian Olsen, Amanda Tudesco, Nicki Renna, Jeffrey Lieber, Kat Coiro, and Bates herself, the series was midway through filming its second season—set to premiere this Sunday—when the allegation against Del Rio surfaced.
Currently on a preplanned production hiatus, *Matlock* is scheduled to resume filming in November. In the meantime, Del Rio’s character will be conspicuously written out of future episodes, leaving viewers to wonder how the show will navigate this abrupt shakeup. The drama behind the scenes now rivals the courtroom intrigue that has made *Matlock* a must-watch sensation.
