Following David Del Rio’s dismissal from Matlock amid sexual assault allegations, the cast and crew are navigating a period of transition. Ahead of the show’s Season 2 premiere on October 12, Leah Lewis’ recent post about “love and strength” has drawn public attention, reflecting the show’s ongoing developments behind the scenes.
Leah Lewis shares post about ‘love and strength’ after David Del Rio’s firing from Matlock
After the dismissal of actor David Del Rio from CBS’ Matlock amid sexual assault allegations, co-star Leah Lewis addressed the situation on social media. In an Instagram Story, Lewis posted a photo with her mother and 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.” She added, “Truly, we’re moving forward in strength. Key word, strength. Please, let that be the takeaway.”
Lewis portrays Sarah Franklin, a first-year associate at Jacobson Moore, the law firm at the center of Matlock. The series stars Kathy Bates in the title role, with Skye P. Marshall, Jason Ritter, and Beau Bridges among the supporting cast. According to Deadline, CBS fired Del Rio, who played Billy Martínez, another first-year associate, after conducting an internal investigation into an incident that allegedly occurred on September 26 involving Lewis. Security escorted the actor off the production lot the same day the incident was reported.
Variety confirmed that the show’s producers will write Del Rio’s character out of future episodes. The team had already filmed more than half of Season 2 before his removal. CBS placed the production on a pre-planned hiatus and plans to resume filming after Thanksgiving. Matlock Season 2 will premiere on October 12, 2025.
Justina Machado will join the upcoming season in a recurring role alongside the returning cast. CBS has not stated whether it will keep or reshoot Del Rio’s completed scenes before the broadcast. The network has also withheld additional comments regarding the investigation.
Originally reported by Anubhav Chaudhry on ComingSoon.
