David Del Rio has been reinterviewed by CBS Studios as the network reopens its investigation into sexual assault allegations against the Matlock star. The former series regular was fired in October after accusations from co-star Leah Lewis, but new developments suggest the case is far from closed.
🔥 Quick Facts
- David Del Rio, 38, was questioned again by CBS in late November 2025 after the network reopened its initial investigation.
- The alleged sexual assault incident occurred on September 26, 2025 on Paramount property according to reports.
- Leah Lewis, 28, first reported the allegations to CBS officials on October 26, 2025, leading to his immediate removal from set.
- Del Rio hired high-profile attorney Shawn Holley and appeared with her during the reinterview with network officials.
Investigation Reopened: What Changed This Month?
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CBS Studios made the surprising decision to reopen its investigation into David Del Rio after initially concluding its initial probe when the actor was fired in October. The network has been conducting fresh interviews in late November and December, including renewed questioning of Del Rio and his attorney. This development marks a significant turn in the high-profile case surrounding the Matlock reboot’s sudden cast crisis.
The reopened investigation suggests new information or evidence may have emerged since the actor’s departure. CBS has maintained strict confidentiality about specific details of the allegations, though sources confirm the network is taking the matter seriously with renewed scrutiny into the circumstances surrounding the September 26 incident.
The Allegations and Timeline of Events
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Leah Lewis first accused David Del Rio of sexual assault when she reported the incident to CBS officials on October 26, 2025. She alleged the assault occurred on September 26, 2025 while both were working on the Matlock production on Paramount property. The allegation was serious enough that Del Rio was immediately removed from the show’s set in early October and subsequently fired from his position as a series regular portraying associate Billy Martinez.
In response to the allegations, Del Rio retained Shawn Holley, a prominent Hollywood attorney known for handling high-stakes entertainment cases. The legal representation signals the actor’s intention to vigorously defend himself against the accusations as the investigation deepens.
| Key Detail | Information |
| Accused Actor | David Del Rio, age 38 |
| Accuser | Leah Lewis, age 28 |
| Alleged Incident Date | September 26, 2025 |
| Report Date to CBS | October 26, 2025 |
| Firing Date | Early October 2025 |
| Del Rio’s Attorney | Shawn Holley, Hollywood attorney |
His Character Was Written Out in Matlock Fall Finale
The Matlock creative team moved quickly to address the sudden absence of David Del Rio from the cast. His character, associate Billy Martinez, was written out of the show during the Season 2 fall finale with what some outlets describe as a “shocking twist.” The writers did not simply leave the character absent but instead provided narrative closure that acknowledged his departure from the legal team within the show’s storyline.
This approach allowed CBS to manage the public relations crisis while continuing production on the hit legal drama. Matlock had been performing strongly in its second season before the allegations surfaced, making the sudden exit of a series regular particularly disruptive to the production schedule and cast dynamics.
“In early October, David Del Rio, who portrays associate Billy Martinez, was removed from the set and fired after a sexual assault allegation.”
— Variety, Entertainment News
What Happens Next as CBS Continues Its Probe?
The reopened investigation by CBS Studios indicates that the controversy surrounding David Del Rio is not resolved. With fresh interviews being conducted and new legal representation in place, the coming weeks will be critical in determining the next steps for both the network and the accused actor. The confidentiality surrounding the investigation means the public may never learn specific details unless a formal legal case emerges.
For the Matlock production, the focus remains on moving forward with the remainder of Season 2 without Del Rio’s character. Meanwhile, David Del Rio faces the serious task of clearing his name or facing potential legal consequences if the investigation concludes with substantive findings against him.
Sources
- Deadline – David Del Rio reinterviewed by CBS Studios over alleged sexual assault and Matlock exit
- TMZ – CBS reopens David Del Rio sexual assault investigation into Matlock actor
- Variety – Matlock producer comments on David Del Rio firing and character writeoff
Jessica Morrison is a seasoned entertainment writer with over a decade of experience covering television, film, and pop culture. After earning a degree in journalism from New York University, she worked as a freelance writer for various entertainment magazines before joining red94.net. Her expertise lies in analyzing television series, from groundbreaking dramas to light-hearted comedies, and she often provides in-depth reviews and industry insights. Outside of writing, Jessica is an avid film buff and enjoys discovering new indie movies at local festivals.