Overview
- Del Rio initiated arbitration on March 4, alleging false and misleading claims led to his October 2025 termination from the CBS series.
- His attorney says he will present real-time text messages and other evidence that they contend contradict prior public characterizations of the incident.
- CBS declined to discuss investigative details but maintains that Del Rio has departed the series after a supplemental review upheld the decision.
- Deadline and TMZ report the allegation was later described as unwanted or unwelcome sexual conduct rather than sexual assault, a characterization CBS has not confirmed.
- Del Rio was escorted off the Paramount lot the day the allegation involving co-star Leah Lewis was reported, and Matlock has continued production with his character written out and recent episodes acknowledging his absence.