Leah Lewis Rejoins Matlock Following David Del Rio Investigation and Dismissal
Leah Lewis — along with the rest of the Matlock cast — is back on set for the first time since David Del Rio was let go following an investigation into alleged sexual assault.
“And we’re back up and running,” Lewis, 29, shared on Instagram on Monday, December 1, along with a photo of herself back at work. This post followed remarks from Beau Bridges, who told Mario Lopez in a recent interview that they plan to resume filming the second part of Matlock season 2 before Christmas.
“I don’t want to reveal too much. We’ve already completed half of the second season, and we’ll be diving back in about a week for the second half,” Bridges, 83, mentioned. “But I can say that Senior always has a few tricks up his sleeve, and I’m glad that’s true.”
This marks the cast’s return to the set following Us Weekly’s confirmation in October that Del Rio, 38, who features in the first half of Matlock season 2, is being removed from the remaining episodes.
News emerged earlier that month regarding Del Rio’s dismissal following Lewis’s allegations against him in late September. Shortly after, Lewis reported the incident to CBS, leading to Del Rio’s removal from the set.
During that time, Matlock was on a filming break, and the cast had not returned until Monday. After the investigation became public, Lewis broke her silence by sharing a photo with her mother from the set.
“Mom is here, and we’re moving forward in love and strength. I’m in good hands,” she posted on Instagram in October. “Thank you to everyone for their support and care. Truly, we’re moving forward in strength. Key word: strength. Let that be the takeaway.”
Del Rio has not yet addressed the controversy, while his wife, Katherine Del Rio, shared Instagram Stories labeling Lewis a “disturbing human being” before deleting them hours later.
The actor previously mentioned to Us in May how the show would delve into the paternity twist involving his character, Billy. “I’m really excited to see how Billy manages the balance between work and personal life,” he noted before the season 2 premiere.
Lewis also shared her thoughts on what awaits Sarah in season 2 during a joint interview.
“I remember reading the finale and hoping that by the end, Sarah would emerge victorious. However, with what happens to Simone, she might need to confront some accountability,” Lewis hinted. “Honestly, this is where we really get to see if Sarah can rise to the occasion for what she’s been asking for and working hard to achieve. You want to be treated like a big dog, so we’ll start acting like one. I feel like this season we’ll definitely see her mature in that respect. Her professional journey isn’t over yet.”
Matlock airs on CBS Thursdays at 9 p.m. ET.
