‘Matlock’ Star David Del Rio Fired After Sexual Assault Probe

Actor David Del Rio’s “Matlock” tenure has come to an end after an investigation into an alleged sexual assault.

Del Rio, who portrayed young attorney Billy Martinez in the Kathy Bates-led CBS rebootwas fired from the series, The Times has confirmed. CBS Studios declined to comment.

The actor’s exit from the series follows an investigation into an alleged sexual assault incident that also involved a woman in the show’s cast, according to Deadlinewhich first reported Del Rio’s firing. Del Rio was a series regular and his character will be written out of future episodes. “Matlock” returns for its second season on Sunday, but has a prescheduled break in October and November after the first half of the season.

A representative for Del Rio did not immediately respond to a request for comment Thursday.

Before joining the cast of “Matlock” in 2023, Del Rio appeared on TV in “Maggie,” “The Good Doctor,” “The Baker and the Beauty” and “The Troop.” His credits also include “NCIS: Los Angeles,” “Pitch Perfect,” “Southland,” “Law & Order: SVU” and “Grease Live!” Del Rio is also a producer and director.

“Matlock,” based on the Andy Griffith-starring original of the same name, stars Bates as a septuagenarian who reenters the legal work force to support her loved ones. Bates earned a lead actress in a drama series Emmy nomination for her work on the show this year, making her the oldest nominee in the category’s history.

The series also stars Skye P. Marshall, Jason Ritter and Leah Lewis.