The CBS legal drama ‘Matlock’ has been thrust into controversy following allegations of sexual assault against actor David Del Rio.
The situation has quickly escalated, involving social media drama, strong public reactions, and the actor’s wife, Katherine Del Rio, publicly responding to the allegations in an unexpected way.
The Allegations and Immediate Action
On October 2, 2025, CBS received a report concerning an incident that allegedly occurred on September 26 involving David Del Rio and his co-star Leah Lewis.
Del Rio, who plays first-year associate lawyer Billy Martinez, was fired and escorted off the set the same day the incident was reported, according to Deadline.
This swift action by CBS reflects the serious nature of the allegations, as no actor is typically removed from a television set without substantial reason.
Matlock has continued filming its second season, with plans to write Del Rio’s character out of the storyline.
Leah Lewis Speaks Out
Leah Lewis, who portrays Sarah Franklin, another first-year associate, broke her silence through social media on the day of Del Rio’s departure.
She posted a photo hugging her mother, accompanied by a message emphasizing strength and support:
“Mom is here. We’re moving forward in love and strength. I’m in good hands… Key word, strength. Please, let that be the takeaway.”
Her post was met with public support, highlighting the importance of believing survivors and the cultural shift in handling workplace misconduct allegations.
David Del Rio’s Wife Reacts Publicly
In an unexpected turn, Del Rio’s wife, Katherine Del Rio, publicly criticized Leah Lewis. She posted and deleted Instagram Stories, including a close-up photo of Lewis with the caption:
“This is the most disturbing human being I have ever met.”
Katherine also shared another Story depicting herself with her mother, implying they were moving forward in love and strength after the alleged incident.
These posts were widely perceived as victim-blaming, sparking criticism from fans and social media users.
Many believe her reaction frames the incident as a personal attack on her family rather than addressing the alleged sexual assault itself.
Public Reaction and Forum Discussions
On online forums, discussions about the incident were heated:
- Criticism of the wife: Many commenters called Katherine Del Rio’s response delusional and petty, suggesting she was defending her husband instead of supporting the victim.
- Support for Leah Lewis: Forum users praised CBS for taking swift action and allowing the victim to be heard, contrasting it with historical instances where perpetrators were protected.
- Discussion of David Del Rio’s behavior: Many noted that Del Rio’s actions likely had strong evidence behind them, given the immediacy of his dismissal. Users speculated on the impact on his career and family.
Background on David and Katherine Del Rio
David and Katherine Del Rio have a long history together:
- They met in 2010 and reconnected later in Los Angeles.
- Married in April 2018 in Mexico.
- They have two children: Lilia, born in July 2023, and Coco, born in January 2025.
Their public family life, including posts celebrating their children, contrasts sharply with the ongoing allegations and the controversy surrounding Katherine’s social media posts.
Impact on ‘Matlock’ Production
Following Del Rio’s firing:
- His character is being written off the show.
- The show will go on hiatus for the second half of the season before resuming after Thanksgiving 2025.
- Fans anticipate adjustments in storylines and potential casting changes.
- CBS has been praised for its swift handling of the situation, highlighting progress in addressing sexual misconduct allegations in the entertainment industry.
The David Del Rio case underscores the complex dynamics of workplace sexual assault allegations, public perception, and social media responses.
While CBS acted promptly, Katherine Del Rio’s posts sparked further controversy by shifting blame onto the victim, demonstrating how family loyalty can clash with public accountability.
Leah Lewis’s calm, strength-focused response has earned widespread support, highlighting the growing expectation that victims’ voices are validated and protected.
