Sat Oct 11 12:10:00 UTC 2025: Here’s a summary of the text followed by a rewritten news article:

**Summary:**

David Del Rio, a series regular on CBS’s “Matlock,” has been fired following an internal investigation into a sexual assault allegation made by co-star Leah Lewis. The alleged incident reportedly occurred in Lewis’s trailer on September 26th, prompting immediate action from the show’s producers and CBS Studios. Del Rio was escorted off the Paramount lot on October 2nd. The show will proceed with filming after a planned hiatus, and scripts will be rewritten to remove Del Rio’s character. Lewis posted a message of strength and support on Instagram following the incident. Del Rio has not commented. Del Rio’s wife briefly posted and deleted Instagram posts calling Lewis “disturbing” and accusing her of harming their family.

**News Article:**

**”Matlock” Star David Del Rio Fired After Sexual Assault Allegation by Co-Star Leah Lewis**

**Hollywood, CA** – David Del Rio, known for his role as Billy Martinez on the CBS legal drama “Matlock,” has been abruptly terminated from the series following an allegation of sexual assault by co-star Leah Lewis. Deadline broke the story.

According to sources close to the production, the alleged incident occurred on September 26th in Lewis’s trailer. A report was filed, triggering an immediate internal investigation by CBS Studios. As a result of the investigation, Del Rio was fired and escorted off the Paramount lot on October 2nd. Sources indicate that executive producer Eric Christian Olsen was involved in Del Rio’s removal.

“Matlock” is currently scheduled to go on a pre-planned hiatus after wrapping up the first half of Season 2 this week, with production set to resume after Thanksgiving. The show’s creative team will now need to rewrite upcoming scripts to address Del Rio’s departure.

Lewis posted a message of resilience on her Instagram story hours after news broke: “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. Truly, we’re moving forward in strength. Key word, strength. Let that be the takeaway.”

Del Rio has yet to publicly comment on the allegations or his firing. His wife, actress Katherine Del Rio, posted then deleted some Instagram posts in response. First, a zoomed in photo of Lewis with the caption, “This is the most disturbing human being I have ever met.” Then, a post mirroring Lewis’ reading, “Mom is here. We’re moving forward in love and strength after what Leah did to our family. Thank you all for the love and support!”

“Matlock,” starring Kathy Bates as the titular character, is set to premiere its second season on October 12th. The series also stars Skye P. Marshall and Jason Ritter. The show previously tackled the topic of sexual assault in its first season.

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