David Del Rio and Leah Lewis from Matlock Speak Out Before Scandal and Dismissal
David Del Rio and Leah Lewis’s Matlock characters, Billy and Sarah, became a beloved pair on the CBS series until Del Rio’s dismissal over allegations of sexual assault against Lewis during the production of season 2.
Us Weekly confirmed in October 2025 that Del Rio was no longer part of the Matlock cast following Lewis’s misconduct accusations. The incident reportedly took place in late September and was reported to CBS. The network conducted an internal investigation, leading to Del Rio being “fired and escorted off the lot,” as reported by Deadline.
Us Weekly reached out for comments from CBS, Del Rio, and Lewis at the time.
Before the scandal, Del Rio and Lewis frequently praised one another, particularly given the strong bond their characters — first-year associates at Jacobson Moore law firm — shared.
Scroll down to see insights from the actors about collaborating:
Comedy Guru
“David Del Rio, who portrays Billy, has taught me so much about comedy,” Lewis told Us exclusively in September 2024. “With his theater background, we’re always twirling around the set.”
The Nancy Drew alum praised Del Rio’s exceptional personality and talent, calling it “playtime.”
She expressed admiration for all her castmates, stating, “I love observing how everyone behaves on set — every show has its unique vibe, and this has been incredible.”
Leah Lewis responded to David Del Rio’s firing from Matlock in light of sexual assault allegations. She shared, “Mom is here; we’re moving forward with love and strength. I’m in good hands,” alongside a photo of her with her mother on October 9. “Thank you to […]
Leah Had His Vote
When asked how Matlock first came to his attention during a December 2024 interview with Hello!, Del Rio recalled, “It was through an audition — and then I noticed Kathy [Bates]’ name attached. A couple of weeks later, the team at Sutton Street Productions wanted to meet, and during the next audition, they helped me understand Billy’s character better.” (Bates stars as the lead, Madeline “Matty” Matlock, who maneuvers her way into the law firm.)
Del Rio noted that he was quickly invited back to audition “for various Sarahs, and Leah Lewis secured the role.” He added, “That was my choice—I voted for her.”
Grateful for More Scenes
Del Rio explained to The Wrap in December 2024 that creator Jennie Snyder Urman wished for Billy and Sarah to rely on each other more in the latter half of season 1, a development he was eager to explore onscreen.
“I hadn’t seen her for several weeks because she was busy writing… then she shared a simple thought, ‘Just remember, they’re becoming closer,’” Del Rio recounted, referring to their evolving friendship. “It was that one sentence, and Leah and I just looked at each other and said, ‘Thank you. Thank you. Thank you.’”
Billy looked to Sarah for support after his girlfriend, Claudia (Bella Ortiz), rejected his marriage proposal in season 1, episode 8.
Matlock faces several questions after surprising revelations in the finale — yet not all beloved characters return for season 2 following an offscreen firing. In the April 2025 finale, Olympia (Skye P. Marshall) discovered that her ex-husband, Julian (Jason Ritter), had been responsible for hidden secrets…
Ready for the Next Chapter
In the season 1 finale, Billy discovered his nearly fiancée is expecting a child. Both Del Rio and Lewis expressed their excitement for the story arc leading into season 2 during a June 2025 interview.
“This will be the first role where I address fatherhood,” Del Rio told TVLine at that time. “Navigating fatherhood in a legal setting will create intriguing conflict.”
Lewis playfully teased during their joint interview, “You’re going to love Billy as a dad… if he becomes a dad.”
