CBS Confirms David Del Rio Will Not Return to Matlock Following Supplemental Investigation

CBS Studios has officially concluded a secondary internal review regarding the dismissal of actor David Del Rio from the hit legal drama Matlock. After revisiting the circumstances surrounding his October 2025 departure, the network has announced it will stand by the original decision to terminate his contract. This final ruling ends months of speculation concerning a potential return for the actor who portrayed associate attorney Billy Martinez.

The controversy began during the production of the second season when David Del Rio was removed from the set following an allegation of sexual assault involving his costar Leah Lewis. At the time of the initial incident, CBS took immediate action by escorting the actor from the Paramount lot and writing his character out of subsequent scripts. While the character of Billy Martinez remained on screen through pre recorded episodes until early December, the production moved forward without Del Rio presence.

The decision to reopen the investigation came after Del Rio retained legal counsel from high profile attorney Shawn Holley. The defense team presented what they described as new evidence, including digital correspondence and a list of character witnesses, which prompted CBS to conduct a supplemental probe into the matter. Despite this secondary look at the facts and the involvement of outside legal representatives, the network determined that the evidence did not warrant a reversal of their initial disciplinary action.

Representatives for CBS Studios have maintained a strict policy of confidentiality regarding the specific findings of the internal report. The studio issued a brief statement confirming that the investigation is now closed and that the previous decision remains in effect. No criminal charges have been filed against the actor in relation to the claims and the matter continues to be handled as an internal employment dispute.

The Matlock production has since adapted to the cast change. The series is set to returnto the air in February 26 th with new additions to the ensemble. Actors Henry Haber and Sarah Wright Olsen have joined the cast to fill the narrative void left by the departure of the Billy Martinez character. Producers have clarified that while these new roles provide fresh dynamics for the firm, they are not intended to be direct replacements for the role previously held by Del Rio.

This final confirmation from CBS provides a definitive end to the casting uncertainty that has surrounded the show during its sophmore run. As Matlock continues its successful television tenure, the focus shifts toward the upcoming storylines of the remaining cast.

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