“Shocking Scandal on CBS’s ‘Matlock’ Set: Rising Star Leah Lewis Speaks Out After Costar David Del Rio Is Abruptly Fired Amid Explosive Sexual Assault Allegations — What She Revealed in Her First Public Statement Will Leave You Stunned, as New Details Emerge About the Night That Shattered the Show’s Image and Rocked Hollywood”
In a stunning and deeply unsettling turn of events that has left fans and insiders reeling, a major scandal has erupted behind the scenes of the highly anticipated CBS reboot Matlock. The controversy centers around veteran actor David Del Rio, who was abruptly fired from the show following serious allegations of sexual assault made by none other than his co-star, the rising young actress Leah Lewis, who had quickly become a fan favorite for her role as a savvy young lawyer alongside the legendary Kathy Bates.
The alleged incident, which reportedly took place late at night on September 26, 2025, shattered the show’s image of quiet professionalism and triggered an immediate internal investigation. Del Rio, known for his charismatic screen presence, was removed from the Paramount Studios lot and cut from all future production the very same day that Lewis came forward — a swift and rare move in an industry often criticized for slow action.
While rumors swirled and media outlets scrambled for confirmation, Lewis remained silent — until now.
In a raw and emotional post shared to her Instagram Stories just days ago, Lewis broke her silence with a powerful message of strength, healing, and quiet resilience. Pictured in a heartfelt embrace with her mother, she wrote:
“Mom is here, we’re moving forward in love and strength. I’m in good hands.”
“Thank you to everybody for any kind of support and care. Truly, we’re moving forward in strength. Key word, strength.”
“Please, let that be the takeaway.”
Her carefully chosen words suggest a woman choosing courage over fear — and refusing to be silenced. Though she refrained from mentioning Del Rio by name or discussing the incident in detail, her message resounded throughout the entertainment industry.
CBS Studios confirmed Del Rio’s departure and stated that his character would be written out of the show, though he may still appear in some episodes that had already been filmed. Sources close to the production say scripts are now being rewritten, and the cast is undergoing “wellness and trauma-informed support protocols.”
As Matlock gears up for its second season amid growing public scrutiny, many are asking: What really happened that night? Who knew what — and when? And will Lewis’s courage lead to lasting changes in the way misconduct is addressed in Hollywood?
This developing story marks not only a pivotal moment in the life of a young actress but may also be a defining moment in the ongoing reckoning with abuse of power in the entertainment industry.
