Categories: Celeb Lifestyle

‘Matlock’ Actor David Del Rio Dismissed Amid Sexual Assault Claims

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CBS said goodbye to one its “Matlock” stars, David Del Rio, after the actor was accused of sexually assaulting co-star Leah Lewis.

The network confirmed to Page Six Thursday that the actor “departed the series,” but declined further comment.

The actor’s firing is said to have come after the studio conducted an internal investigation, according to Deadline.

Del Rio’s character, Billy Martinez, will immediately be written off, though it’s unclear how many episodes he’ll appear in for the upcoming second season. The show is currently on a filming hiatus through November after completing production on the first half of the season.

Sources previously told Deadline that the incident with Del Rio, 38, and Lewis, who plays Sarah Franklin, took place on Paramount property on Sept. 26.

Reps for series star Kathy Bates and Lewis did not immediately return Page Six’s requests for comment. Attempts to reach Del Rio on Thursday evening were unsuccessful.

Del Rio parted ways with the crime drama on Oct. 2.

Among those that escorted the actor off the studio lot was “Matlock” executive producer Eric Christian Olsen.

Soon after reports of Del Rio’s firing surfaced, Lewis took to her Instagram Stories to assure fans that she’s “moving forward” with her life.

“Mom is here, we’re moving forward in love and strength. I’m in good hands,” she wrote on Thursday alongside a photo of her and her mom. “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,” she closed.

In addition to Lewis, “Matlock” also stars Bates as titular character Madeline “Matty” Matlock, Skye P. Marshall and Jason Ritter.

“Matlock” Season 2 premieres on Oct. 12.

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