With CBS’ hit drama series Matlock’s second season in the books, fans are already anticipating what the next round of legal antics will bring. One of THS’ Best TV Shows of 2024, the Kathy Bates-led ensemble show’s sleeper success continues to bolster the Eye Network’s position in the primetime realm, but that apparently has come with a cost.
That’s thanks to a new lawsuit from former Matlock writer John Lowe, which claims a pattern of behavior including “racist and sexual comments” from executive producers. What’s more, this new suit arrives in the midst of proceedings surrounding the allegations of sexual assault that led to previous Matlock co-star David Del Rio’s firing.
John Lowe’s Matlock Lawsuit, And Its Concerning Allegations
Let’s start with the more recent issues, which stem from reporting out of Deadline. Lowe, also a credited writer on Netflix’s Virgin River, filed his “three claim, 11 page lawsuit” with the Los Angeles Superior Court this week. Three Matlock EPs feature prominently in these allegations, one of which is developer Jennie Snyder Urman – a figure who prominently features in this excerpt:
…Urman and producers on the revived crime classic allowed ‘sexually explicit and discriminatory conduct’ to fester. Citing suggestive late-night calls from another female producer in her underwear, a perception of indentured servitude and references to the Juneteenth holiday as “Coonteenth” by the EP, Lowe states he was fired suddenly in July 2025.
What’s more, John Lowe’s filing also cites executive producers Nicki Renna and Jeffrey Lieber as supposed offenders. In the case of Renna, details from Lowe cite her as reportedly making “racially and sexually derogatory comments” on set; with a special focus on recurring Matlock guest star Eme Ikwuakor’s literacy skills and anatomy. The full comments are in the source report above, which naturally leads to CBS’ take on these troubling reports.
CBS’ Official Response To The Matlock Lawsuit
In all fairness, the report on these Matlock allegations does claim that CBS did look into this matter internally; with the result being unknown. Further painting the picture on these matters, the network’s official response reads as follows:
We are committed to maintaining a safe and respectful environment for everyone and take all workplace complaints seriously. In this instance, a thorough investigation was completed, and we were unable to find support for his allegations. We look forward to vigorously defending this lawsuit.
Unfortunately, this isn’t the only case of misconduct coming from Matlock’s set. To tell the next part of our story, we’ll be focusing on the sexual assault allegations against, and subsequent firing, of David Del Rio. Especially when that matter also continues to complicate the production of this primetime drama.
David Del Rio’s Sexual Assault Allegations Are Also Still In Play
In October 2025, reports of Mr. Del Rio’s firing made the rounds, after co-star Leah Lewis reported him for an alleged assault that took place that September. The Pitch Perfect alum’s dismissal saw his character Billy officially written out in Matlock’s Season 2 mid-season premiere “Collateral.”
However, the investigation into David Del Rio’s allegations was reopened earlier this year (per EW), with TVInsider also reporting the actor’s push for arbitration. Claiming that Ms. Lewis’ “misleading allegations [had] caused substantial professional and reputational harm,” this March report came with the following statement from Del Rio’s attorney, Shawn Holley:
At the arbitration, Mr. Del Rio will present real-time text communications and evidence that directly contradicts prior public characterizations of the interaction at issue. This evidence was not fully considered before adverse employment action was taken. Mr. Del Rio looks forward to resolving this matter through the appropriate legal forum and has faith that a full evidentiary review will establish the truth and restore his professional reputation.
With all of this investigation in the halls of Matlock, one has to wonder how it will impact Season 3’s production. That, of course, will depend on whatever further information potential proceedings will release. As it stands, Matty Matlock won’t return until some point in 2027. So to keep up with all updates on this matter, as well as other developments in the world of television, keep your browser tuned to THS TV News.
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