Trending Now - David Del Rio and CBS Enter Arbitration Over Firing Dispute
WHO:
David Del Rio, actor, known for playing attorney Billy Martinez on CBS's *Matlock*
CBS Studios, producer of *Matlock*
Shawn Holley, lawyer representing David Del Rio
Leah Lewis, fellow *Matlock* cast member involved in the allegations
Kathy Bates, star of *Matlock*
WHAT:
David Del Rio has initiated arbitration against CBS Studios regarding his firing due to sexual assault allegations.
Del Rio claims that evidence undermining the allegations was not fully considered before his termination.
He will present real-time text communications and other materials that contradict prior public characterizations of the incident.
Del Rio was fired in October 2025 after an internal investigation into an incident reported on September 26, 2025.
The allegations against Del Rio were later reclassified from "sexual assault" to "unwanted sexual conduct."
WHERE:
CBS Studios, producer of *Matlock*
Paramount lot, where *Matlock* is filmed
Incident reportedly occurred in Leah Lewis' trailer on the *Matlock* set
WHEN:
Del Rio was fired in October 2025.
The alleged incident occurred on September 26, 2025.
A supplemental investigation took place around Thanksgiving 2025.
The arbitration was initiated on March 5, 2026.
WHY:
Del Rio's firing was a result of allegations of sexual assault made against him, which he claims are false and misleading.
He states that the allegations caused him substantial professional and reputational harm.
HOW:
The arbitration process will be overseen by mediators from JAMS.
Del Rio participated in an internal investigation conducted by CBS Studios prior to initiating arbitration.
David Del Rio, known for his role as attorney Billy Martinez on CBS's *Matlock*, has initiated arbitration against CBS Studios following his firing due to sexual assault allegations, which he claims were not fully substantiated. Del Rio asserts that evidence, including real-time text communications, contradicts the public narrative surrounding the incident that occurred in Leah Lewis' trailer on set, leading to his termination in October 2025. The arbitration, overseen by mediators from JAMS, comes after Del Rio's allegations were reclassified from "sexual assault" to "unwanted sexual conduct," and he argues that the claims have caused him significant professional and reputational harm.