David Del Rio has initiated arbitration against CBS after they fired him from “Matlock” in October over co-star Leah Lewis’ allegation of sexual assault.
“David Del Rio has initiated arbitration against CBS Studios to address false and misleading allegations that caused substantial professional and reputational harm,” Shawn Holley, a lawyer for the actor, told Page Six in a statement on Wednesday.
“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,” the statement continued. “This evidence was not fully considered before adverse employment action was taken.”
The statement concluded, “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.”
According to TMZ, Del Rio hired Holley and the investigation was reopened — though CBS stood by their decision to fire the actor.
Sources told the outlet on Wednesday that Del Rio “fully cooperated” with the investigation — and the reopened investigation — as well as submitted “documentary evidence supporting his position,” to no avail.
Per the outlet’s sources, CBS re-characterized the claims from “sexual assault to unwelcome sexual conduct” following the investigation. Sources for TMZ also claimed the network asked that he “remain silent” and refrain from reaching out to his representatives or lawyers throughout the process.
A studio source, however, claimed David wasn’t denied legal representation during the process, per TMZ.
Sources also told the outlet that “additional evidence” allegedly obtained by Del Rio’s attorneys after the additional investigation concluded would be presented during the arbitration.
Reps for Lewis and CBS did not immediately return Page Six’s request for comment on Wednesday evening.
CBS confirmed to Page Six in October that Del Rio, 38, had “departed the series,” but declined further comment at the time. The actor played Billy Martinez opposite Lewis’ Sarah Franklin on the series.
Insiders previously told Deadline that the alleged incident with Del Rio and Lewis, 29, happened on Paramount property on Sept. 26, and that an investigation had been launched.
The trade outlet alleged that David was “fired and escorted off the lot [on Oct. 2], the same day the alleged assault was reported” and that his character would be written off the show.
A-list co-stars including Kathy Bates and Jason Ritter did not comment on the alleged incident or Del Rio’s firing at the time.
The “Nancy Drew” alum spoke out on Oct. 10, sharing a red carpet event photo alongside her mother, Lorraine Lewis, via Instagram Stories after news of Del Rio’s firing broke.
“Mom is here,” she told followers on the platform. “I’m in good hands. Thank you to everybody for any kind of support and care.”
She added atop the pic, “Truly, we’re moving forward in strength. Key word, strength. Please, let that be the take away.”
Also on Oct. 10, David’s wife, Katherine Del Rio, took to her own social media following Lewis’ allegation to blast the “Matlock” actress.
Via Instagram Stories, she shared a close-up snapshot of Lewis’ face smiling, writing atop the pic, “This is the most disturbing human being I have ever met.”
She also mocked Lewis’ social media statement by sharing a photo with her own mother, writing, “Mom is here. We are moving forward in love and strength after what Leah did to our family. Thank you all for the love and support!”
David and Katherine tied the knot in April 2018, and have since welcomed daughters Lilia, 2, and Coco, 1.
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