An actor on the hit series Matlock has been fired from the show after an allegation of sexual assault was made against him.
David Del Rio, 38, who took on the role of Billy Martinez, has departed the series after CBS Studios was informed about an incident on the set last week, as confirmed by the Daily Mail.
Reports from Deadline and Variety indicate that the alleged incident transpired on September 26, involving his co-star Leah Lewis. Del Rio was reportedly removed from the set on October 2, the day the incident was reported, following an internal investigation.
The Daily Mail understands Del Rio has been written out of the Kathy Bates-led series for future episodes.
On Thursday, Lewis addressed the allegations by sharing a picture with her mother, writing: ‘Mom is here, we’re moving forward in love and strength. I’m in good hands.’
‘Thank you to everyone for your support and care. We’re truly moving forward with strength. Key word, strength. Please, let that be the key takeaway.’
Matlock star David Del Rio has been fired from the show after a reported allegation of sexual assault was made against him
Deadline mentions that Del Rio faced accusations of sexual assault involving Leah Lewis (pictured with Del Rio and Kathy Bates). He was removed from the set after an internal investigation.
Daily Mail has reached out to representatives for Del Rio and Lewis for comment but have not yet heard back.
A CBS Studios spokesman declined to comment.
The Emmy nominated series is currently filming its second season, and has already shot about half of the next season, according to Variety.
The show will be undergoing a pre-planned hiatus this month and in November after completion of the first half of the second season.
Sources told the publication that Del Rio was led away by Matlock executive producer Eric Christian Olsen, among others.
TMZ reports Del Rio is accused of sexually assaulting the female Matlock actor on Paramount property.
The show resumed filming after Del Rio’s departure, Deadline adds, and production is expected to return after Thanksgiving.
Season two of Matlock will debut on October 12.
In the show Matlock, Del Rio played Martinez, a first-year associate at the fictional Jacobson Moore law firm, while Lewis, 28, portrays Sarah Franklin.
David Del Rio has departed the show after CBS Studios was alerted to an incident involving him, Daily Mail can confirm; pictured 2024
Lewis broke her silence on the allegations on Thursday as she shared a photo with her mother, captioned: ‘Mom is here, we’re moving forward in love and strength. I’m in good hands’
Matlock stars Oscar winner Bates and is loosely based on the legal drama by the same name starring the late Andy Griffith from 1986-1995. She plays lawyer Madeline Matlock opposite Beau Bridges and Jason Ritter.
‘Follows Madeline Matlock as she rejoins the work force at a prestigious law firm, where she uses her wily tactics to win cases and expose wrongdoing,’ the IMDb synopsis reads.
It debuted last year and was renewed for a second season just two episodes into its first season.
Bates has received critical acclaim for her role, and has earned several awards and multiple nominations.
In Matlock, Del Rio portrayed Billy Martinez, a first-year associate working at the fictional Jacobson Moore law firm
Del Rio’s acting credentials include roles in Pitch Perfect, The Good Doctor, Grease Live, A California Christmas, The Baker and the Beauty, NCIS: Los Angeles, and more.
He is married to actress and filmmaker Katherine Del Rio and they have two children together. The couple recently celebrated 12 years together.
‘From when you said “yes” to be my girlfriend 12 years ago… the ride continues. I love you, Flower Child,’ Del Rio posted to his Instagram in late July.
