David Del Rio has enlisted high-profile attorney Shawn Holley to represent him in the wake of his firing from the CBS legal drama ‘Matlock’ over sexual assault allegations made by his co-star Leah Lewis. This legal move comes weeks after his abrupt departure from the show, signaling a new phase in the ongoing controversy.
Del Rio was terminated from ‘Matlock’ in early October following an internal investigation by CBS into the allegations. The incident in question allegedly occurred on September 26, and Lewis reported it to the network on October 2, leading to his immediate removal from the set. CBS Studios confirmed that his character, Billy, would be written out of the series, which had premiered its second season just days before the firing.
In response, Del Rio retained Shawn Holley, a prominent Hollywood lawyer known for representing celebrities like Kim Kardashian, Justin Bieber, and Lindsay Lohan. Holley’s involvement, confirmed this week, suggests Del Rio is preparing for potential legal proceedings or negotiations related to the allegations and his dismissal. This development was first reported by TMZ and corroborated by Us Weekly, highlighting the significance of hiring such a well-connected attorney.
The allegations have sparked strong reactions from those involved. Shortly after the news broke, Lewis posted a message on Instagram, stating, ‘Mom is here, we’re moving forward in love and strength. I’m in good hands.’ She emphasized the theme of strength and gratitude for support, without directly addressing the specifics of the case. Meanwhile, David’s wife, Katherine Del Rio, publicly criticized Lewis, calling her ‘the most disturbing human being I have ever met,’ indicating the personal toll the situation has taken.
Context from the show adds another layer to the story. In episodes aired around the time of the firing, ‘Matlock’ featured emotional scenes between Del Rio’s character, Billy, and Lewis’s character, Sarah, where Billy defended Sarah against another character. This narrative irony has drawn attention, as it contrasts with the off-screen allegations. The series will need to adjust its storyline to account for Billy’s absence in upcoming episodes.
The Los Angeles Police Department previously stated that there was no record of an assault report matching the date or location of Lewis’s allegation, complicating the public understanding of the events. Despite this, CBS proceeded with the investigation and firing, underscoring the network’s response to internal complaints. Del Rio has not publicly commented on the allegations or his firing, maintaining silence amid the media scrutiny.
Friends of the couple have shared that Katherine Del Rio is standing by her husband, and they are focusing on their family, including their two young daughters. This support system may play a role in how Del Rio navigates the legal and professional fallout. As the situation evolves, the hiring of Holley could lead to further developments, such as potential lawsuits or public statements, shaping the narrative around Del Rio’s career and reputation in the entertainment industry.