David Del Rio Heads to Arbitration with CBS Studios After Firing and Sexual Assault Allegations

David Del Rio Pursues Arbitration Against CBS Studios Following Dismissal from Matlock

David Del Rio is not backing down after his sudden dismissal from CBS’s Matlock last year, which was triggered by sexual assault allegations. The actor is now pursuing arbitration against CBS Studios to contest what he describes as "false and misleading allegations" that have caused significant professional and reputational harm.

"At the arbitration, Mr. Del Rio will present real-time text communications and evidence that directly contradicts prior public characterizations of the interaction at issue," said Shawn Holley, Del Rio’s attorney, highlighting that this evidence was not fully considered before CBS made its employment decision. Holley expressed confidence that a thorough evidentiary review will clarify the truth and help restore Del Rio’s professional reputation.

Commenced today, the arbitration process will be overseen by mediators from JAMS.

In response to the ongoing situation, CBS Studios declined to comment on the arbitration or the investigations surrounding Del Rio, reiterating only that he "has departed the series."

Del Rio’s firing in October 2022 followed an incident involving Matlock co-star Leah Lewis, which reportedly took place in her trailer on set. An internal investigation was launched the same day the incident was reported, leading to Del Rio’s immediate removal from the Paramount lot where filming occurs.

Prior to initiating arbitration, Del Rio participated in the Paramount-owned CBS Studios investigation regarding the events on set from the previous fall. Most recently, Del Rio was reinterviewed in late November as part of a supplemental investigation, accompanied by his new attorney, Holley. Despite the additional inquiry, CBS Studios reaffirmed their decision to remove Del Rio from Matlock and write out his character as soon as possible.