The actor was dropped from the CBS legal drama in October after the network investigated an incident involving him.

Fired Matlock star David Del Rio initiates arbitration against CBS, citing ‘professional and reputational harm’

The actor was dropped from the CBS legal drama in October after the network investigated an incident involving him.

By Wesley Stenzel

Wesley Stenzel is a news writer at **. He began writing for EW in 2022.

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March 4, 2026 5:14 p.m. ET

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David Del Rio on 'Matlock'. Credit:

Steve Wilkie/CBS

- David Del Rio has entered arbitration against CBS.

- The actor was fired from *Matlock* in October after the network investigated an incident involving him.

- A representative says Del Rio will "present real-time text communications and evidence that directly contradicts prior public characterizations of the interaction at issue."

David Del Rio is taking action against CBS.

The former *Matlock* star, who was dismissed from the legal drama in October following an investigation into an incident involving him, has entered arbitration against the network.

"David Del Rio has initiated arbitration against CBS Studios to address false and misleading allegations that caused substantial professional and reputational harm," the actor's attorney, Shawn Holley, said in a statement.

David Del Rio in Los Angeles in 2025.

Maya Dehlin Spach/Getty

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Holley said Del Rio will "present real-time text communications and evidence that directly contradicts prior public characterizations of the interaction at issue." She added, "This evidence was not fully considered before adverse employment action was taken."

Holley's 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."

Holley's statement marks the first public comment that Del Rio or any of his representatives have made since his exit from *Matlock*.

** has reached out to representatives for CBS for response.

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