Leah Lewis Speaks Out After Scandal Rocks ‘Matlock’
Leah Lewis is one of the breakout stars of CBS’s Matlock reboot. She has finally spoken out. Her co-star David Del Rio was reportedly fired from the show amid disturbing sexual assault allegations involving her.
The 28-year-old actress took to Instagram on Thursday, October 9, to share a short but powerful message with her fans. Posting a photo of herself with her mother, Lewis wrote, “Mom is here, we’re moving forward in love and strength. I’m in good hands.” She added, “Thank you to everybody for any kind of support and care. Truly, we’re moving forward in strength. Key word, strength. Please, let that be the takeaway.”
Her words came just hours after shocking reports surfaced. These reports stated her now-former castmate had been removed from the hit CBS drama following a serious accusation.
Alleged Incident Leads to Immediate Firing
According to several insiders quoted by Deadline, the alleged incident took place on September 26 and involved Lewis herself. She reportedly came forward about the situation on October 2.
Within hours of her report, CBS Studios allegedly took swift action. The network reportedly took action against David Del Rio, 38. He was escorted off the lot that very day as the network launched a full internal investigation.
When reached by The Post, CBS Studios confirmed Del Rio’s exit but declined to comment further on the ongoing matter. The production company made it clear that he is no longer involved with the show in any capacity.
Meanwhile, other sources told The Post that Del Rio’s character, Billy Martínez, will be written out of all future episodes. However, fans will still see him appear in several scenes already filmed before the alleged incident came to light.
Production Carries On Amid Controversy
Despite the sudden controversy, Matlock continues to move forward. Filming reportedly resumed shortly after Del Rio’s removal, with cast and crew determined to keep the production on schedule.
The show will take a planned hiatus in October and November. This break gives the team time to complete the first half of its current second season.
A representative for Lewis has not commented further. However, the young actress’s social media post suggests she is focusing on healing and strength. She continues her work on the series.
The Characters at the Center of the Story
In the Matlock reboot, Lewis plays Sarah Franklin, a first-year associate at the fictional Jacobson Moore law firm. Her role quickly became a fan favorite thanks to her sharp wit and on-screen chemistry with Del Rio’s character.
Del Rio portrayed Billy Martínez, another new associate at the same firm. Before his sudden departure, showrunner Jennie Snyder Urman had teased that his storyline would expand in Season 2.
Back in August, Urman told Entertainment Weekly. “I think of this show as a story about friendship romances. These are those people that come into your life. They may be even more significant than your romantic partner.”
She continued, “Matty and Olympia have that. Sarah and Billy unexpectedly started to really feel that towards each other, too.”
Those comments now take on a more complicated meaning as the show faces one of its toughest off-screen moments yet.
CBS Faces Pressure After the Allegations
The controversy has cast a shadow over what was supposed to be a bright new chapter for Matlock. The legal drama is a modern and gender-flipped remake of the beloved 1980s series starring Andy Griffith. It premiered in September 2024 to strong ratings. It also received positive reviews.
In this reboot, Oscar winner Kathy Bates, 77, stars as Madeline “Matty” Matlock. She is a sharp and unorthodox lawyer. She returns to work at a prestigious law firm after years away. She’s joined by Skye P. Marshall as Olympia, Jason Ritter as Julian Markston, and Leah Lewis as Sarah Franklin.
Before Del Rio’s exit, the cast had been praised for its chemistry and fresh take on the courtroom classic. Fans had been eager to see more of the friendship. They were intrigued by the romantic tension between Lewis and Del Rio’s characters. Now, this storyline is left hanging in uncertainty.
Lewis Leans on Family and Fans
In the days following the scandal, Lewis has kept a low profile, except for her heartfelt Instagram post. Her message made it clear that she’s leaning on her family — especially her mother — during this difficult time.
“Mom is here,” she wrote, a simple but emotional line that resonated with her followers. The phrase quickly spread across social media, with fans flooding her page with messages of love and encouragement.
One supporter commented, “Stay strong, Leah. You’ve got this.” Another wrote, “We believe you and we’re with you all the way.”
While Lewis didn’t mention Del Rio by name, her emphasis was on “moving forward in love and strength.” This suggested that she’s focusing on healing and positivity. She is not dwelling on the turmoil.
What Happens Next for ‘Matlock’
The investigation is ongoing. CBS seems to be taking every step to maintain a safe environment. They are also ensuring it is supportive for their cast and crew. Production insiders have hinted that the show’s writing team is already revising upcoming scripts. They are removing Del Rio’s character and shifting the focus onto other storylines.
Despite the shake-up, the reboot remains one of CBS’s most talked-about new dramas. Kathy Bates leads the cast. The series has managed to attract longtime fans of the original Matlock. It also draws a younger audience with its modern, fast-paced legal storytelling.
The future of Matlock looks uncertain for now. However, one thing seems clear: Leah Lewis has become the emotional center of the show. She is the center both on and off screen. Her message of strength has struck a chord with fans. They admire her courage to keep moving forward despite the storm surrounding her.
“Strength. Please Let That Be the Takeaway.”
As Matlock moves ahead without one of its stars, Leah Lewis’s words echo louder than ever. “Strength,” she told her followers — a reminder that even in Hollywood’s toughest moments, resilience speaks louder than scandal.
And for now, Leah Lewis seems determined to face the days ahead. She is guided by love, family, and strength.
