‘Matlock’ Star David Del Rio’s Wife Katherine Hits Out at Leah Lewis Amid Sexual Assault Allegations
David Del Rio, a series regular on the CBS legal drama Matlock, has been dismissed from the show following an accusation of sexual assault. The allegation, which remains unproven, prompted an internal review by CBS Studios. In the aftermath, Del Rio’s wife, actress Katherine Del Rio, publicly criticized his co-star Leah Lewis on Thursday (October 9), intensifying scrutiny around the production.
According to information shared with media, the alleged incident occurred on September 26 and was reported on October 2. CBS Studios initiated an immediate internal investigation. Following that process, Del Rio was terminated and escorted off set. Matlock is in the midst of filming its second season, and production has continued while the studio addresses the situation through its established protocols.
Katherine Del Rio’s remarks directed at Lewis arrive at a delicate moment for the series and its cast. While details of her statements have not been widely disclosed, the public nature of her comments underscores how quickly off-screen disputes can spill into view in the streaming-and-social era, where real-time reactions can shape a narrative as much as official statements.
As with any allegation of this nature, it is important to note that the claims are allegations and have not been adjudicated in a court of law. The studio’s actions reflect its internal workplace and conduct policies rather than legal conclusions. No additional details about the internal findings have been released publicly.
- Alleged incident date: September 26
- Reported to the studio: October 2
- Studio response: Immediate internal investigation
- Outcome to date: David Del Rio terminated and removed from set
- Production status: Matlock season two remains in active production
From a production standpoint, abrupt personnel changes during an active shoot can trigger complex scheduling and continuity challenges, potentially requiring script adjustments, scene reshoots, or reassignments to keep delivery timelines intact. CBS Studios has not detailed how Del Rio’s departure will impact upcoming episodes, but the quick, procedural response suggests an effort to limit disruption while adhering to workplace standards.
This incident also highlights a broader industry pattern: studios have increasingly formalized investigation protocols for on-set conduct, balancing the need for swift action with the obligation to handle sensitive allegations with discretion. In practice, that often means limited public disclosure beyond confirming an investigation and any immediate staffing decisions.
CBS Studios has not issued additional comment beyond the internal process noted, and representatives for the parties involved have not publicly elaborated further at this time. We will update this story as more verified information becomes available.
