CBS reopened its investigation into David Del Rio, an actor who was fired from “Matlock” earlier this year over a sexual assault claim, according to reports.
Del Rio, and new attorney Shawn Holley, asked CBS Studios to re-interview him about the alleged Sept. 26 sexual assault incident against fellow series regular Leah Lewis that led to his firing. The request was granted and he was re-interviewed around Thanksgiving, Deadline reported Thursday.
Multiple other people were re-interviewed following Del Rio’s new testimony.
“Matlock” creator, executive producer and showrunner Jennie Snyder Urman said Del Rio’s final episode already aired and the character, Billy Martinez, would be written off the show. TMZ reports the season’s second half is currently in production following a hiatus.
Del Rio, 38, allegedly assaulted Lewis in her trailer on the Paramount lot. He was “fired and escorted” off the Paramount lot “the same day the alleged assault was reported” — Oct. 2, according to Deadline.
TMZ previously reported the Los Angeles Police Department had received no reports of a sexual assault matching the allegations raised by Lewis.
Del Rio has yet to publicly comment on his firing or the allegations. His wife, Katherine, reportedly slammed Lewis on Instagram before deleting the post, according to US Weekly.
“Matlock,” which stars Oscar-winner Kathy Bates, airs its fall finale Thursday night on CBS.
