Leah Lewis Breaks Silence on Matlock Co-Star's Dismissal Amid Sexual Assault Allegations

Leah Lewis has spoken out following David Del Rio’s dismissal from Matlock amidst allegations he sexually assaulted her.

“Mom is here, we’re moving forward in love and strength. I’m in good hands,” Lewis, aged 28, posted on her Instagram Story on Thursday, October 9, accompanying a photo of her embracing her mother. “Thank you to everyone for any kind of support and care. Truly, we are progressing with fortitude.”

The actress continued, “The essential word is strength. Please, let that be the main takeaway.”

Earlier that day, news emerged that Del Rio, 38, was let go from the CBS series after Lewis accused her costar of sexual assault. Us Weekly confirmed that the network was notified of a purported incident and immediately launched an internal investigation.

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Deadline, the outlet that first reported the story, stated that the alleged incident between Lewis and Del Rio transpired on September 26. The purported assault was reported to CBS on October 2. Following the investigation, Del Rio was “terminated and escorted off the lot the same day the alleged assault was reported,” according to the publication.

Matlock has proceeded with filming its second season despite Del Rio’s sudden departure, as per Deadline. His character will reportedly be written out of the show in due course. The series will embark on a hiatus starting next week through November after completing the first half of the season. Production is slated to recommence after Thanksgiving.

Us has sought comments from CBS and Del Rio.

Lewis portrays Sarah Franklin, a first-year associate in the legal drama, with Kathy Bates leading as the titular character. Del Rio played an additional first-year associate named Billy Martinez, who was Sarah's closest friend. The duo worked at Jacobson Moore alongside Madeline “Matty” Matlock.

Lewis had previously expressed enthusiasm about collaborating with Del Rio before the scandal.

“From David Del Rio, who plays Billy, essentially my counterpart, I’ve acquired so much knowledge about comedy from him,” Lewis exclusively informed Us in September 2024. “He stems from a theater background, so it often feels like we’re constantly dancing and sparkling around set.”

Season 1 concluded with an unresolved plot point, as viewers learned that Billy’s nearly-fiancée (Bella Ortiz) is pregnant. Creator Jennie Snyder Urman had previously hinted to Us that fans would “receive the answers we’ve been promising.”

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“It was both challenging and intriguing to be in this isolated creative space, filming episode 17 when the initial episode aired,” Urman exclusively told Us. “We were already far along in production, and now with episodes broadcasting, we are in dialogue with the audience, and I aim to be mindful but not governed by their feedback so that we continue telling our story.”

Burman added, “But I always believe if there’s an issue — and they are identifying an issue — I can progressively rectify that. I want the story to be as excellent and as impeccably structured as possible.”

With the second season's premiere scheduled for October 12, Del Rio’s exit from the series will likely not appear on screen until after the planned break.

Matlock season 2 will debut on CBS Monday, October 12, at 8:30 p.m. ET. Episode 2 is scheduled to air on Thursday, October 16, at 9 p.m. ET.