CBS’s Matlock revival found itself at the center of an unexpected storm this October after actor David Del Rio was removed from the show following serious accusations of misconduct.
Known for his portrayal of Billy Martinez, a bright young associate on the legal team led by the legendary Matty, played by Kathy Bates, Del Rio was seen as one of the show’s emerging talents.
However, reports surfaced suggesting that behind the professional charm and creative success, a troubling issue had unfolded on set that would ultimately change everything for the production.
The decision to terminate David Del Rio’s contract came swiftly after producers received reports of an incident involving him and his co-star, Leah Lewis. According to TMZ, which first broke the story, Del Rio was accused of sexually assaulting Lewis on Paramount property.
Once Paramount executives were alerted, the actor was escorted off the studio lot, marking an abrupt end to his tenure on the show.
The news immediately made headlines across entertainment outlets, sparking widespread debate and raising questions about the future of Matlock and how the production would address a storyline tied closely to Del Rio’s character.
The show, which was set to continue filming for the second half of its sophomore season, has since gone on hiatus until November while internal reviews and rewrites take place.
Inside the Role That Made Him Famous
David Del Rio joined Matlock during its first season as Billy Martinez, a sharp yet idealistic associate with an eagerness to prove himself in the high-stakes world of corporate law. His onscreen chemistry with Leah Lewis’s character, Sarah Franklin, was among the highlights of the show’s debut.
The two often appeared alongside Matty, helping her navigate legal complexities while working from the inside of a powerful law firm accused of covering up unethical operations.
As a reboot of the classic courtroom drama, the CBS series offered a modern tone driven by Kathy Bates’s standout performance. Bates portrayed a veteran lawyer using her experience and wit to expose the truth behind corporate misconduct, adding both gravitas and emotional weight to the new adaptation.
Del Rio’s role contributed energy and youth to the ensemble, symbolizing the generational contrast between old-school legal traditions and new-age ambition.
Fans gravitated toward his character for his humor, humility, and ambition. His sudden removal not only disrupts the show’s narrative structure but also leaves viewers wondering how the writers will handle the void left by his absence.
According to production insiders, the creative team is currently reworking scripts to write off Billy Martinez’s character respectfully while preserving the ongoing story.
The Investigation and CBS’s Rapid Response
Once the allegations surfaced, CBS Studios and Paramount Television acted promptly. Filming was paused, and the company initiated an internal investigation in line with its workplace policies.
A source close to the show told TVLine that the decision to terminate Del Rio’s contract was made after gathering sufficient details regarding the incident, adding that “the safety and comfort of our cast and crew remain the top priority.”
Although neither CBS nor Del Rio’s representatives have issued a detailed public statement, the network’s firm response reflects a growing industry trend of prioritizing accountability and transparency.
David Del Rio (Credit: NBC)
In recent years, Hollywood has taken stronger stances against inappropriate workplace behavior following multiple widely publicized cases across the entertainment sector.
Leah Lewis has not yet commented publicly on the incident, and sources close to her report that she is taking time away from public events while receiving full support from the network.
The studio has also offered counseling and other resources to cast and crew members affected by the situation. Production sources have since confirmed that the reset period will be used to re-evaluate scripts, characters, and scheduling to ensure continued progress once filming resumes.
Who Is David Del Rio?
Before Matlock, David Del Rio built an impressive career across television, film, and stage. Born in 1988, Del Rio gained recognition through his performances in Grease Live! on Fox, Pitch Perfect, and guest roles across various network series.
His energetic presence and enthusiasm earned him a reputation as a dependable supporting actor capable of commanding both dramatic and comedic scenes.
His casting in Matlock was seen as a significant step forward, positioning him alongside established names such as Kathy Bates and Jason Ritter. For Del Rio, it symbolized a breakout moment that promised longevity and broader industry visibility. That trajectory, however, came to a standstill following the recent scandal.
The allegations have placed both his career and public image under strain. Talent agencies have reportedly paused negotiations on future projects pending the results of investigations.
Industry observers have noted that even if cleared, the association with such a high-profile case would make rebuilding trust within Hollywood challenging.
Fallout for the Matlock Production
The timing of Del Rio’s firing complicates CBS’s plans for Matlock’s second season. The show had wrapped filming for the first half of the season and was preparing to launch new episodes, with Season 2 set to debut this Sunday at 8:30/7:30 p.m. before moving to its regular Thursday slot.
The scandal not only disrupts episode scheduling but also challenges the narrative flow, with Billy Martinez’s sudden absence needing to be addressed on-screen.
Industry insiders have revealed that producers are planning to write his departure as a professional transfer or possible exit from the firm. These adjustments are expected to be reflected in later episodes. Filming will likely resume in late November once the investigation is fully resolved.
Despite the chaos, CBS seems committed to maintaining audience confidence. Kathy Bates’s central character continues to carry the spirit of Matlock, a strong, justice-driven figure who fights corruption while holding those in power accountable.
Many fans believe Bates’s commanding presence may help the show stabilize even as it undergoes significant cast changes.
The Broader Impact and What Lies Ahead
The controversy surrounding David Del Rio comes at a crucial moment for network television. As audience scrutiny intensifies and calls for accountability grow louder, studios are facing higher expectations to enforce strict professional conduct standards.
CBS’s quick dismissal of Del Rio signals the industry’s ongoing shift from quiet internal handling of such cases to decisive public action.
With Matlock temporarily paused, attention has turned toward Leah Lewis’s well-being and the show’s creative direction moving forward. Industry experts say CBS will likely take this time to ensure a respectful and transparent approach in addressing the issue both internally and on screen.
Though the network has not yet announced whether the role will be recast or permanently written out, the emotional and reputational impact will linger long after the incident fades from the headlines.
For fans of Matlock, the controversy delivers a sobering reminder that even behind riveting courtroom storylines, real-life drama can send shockwaves far beyond the screen.
Strictly Come Dancing has long been considered the jewel of British television. Known for its laughter, dazzling performances, and heartwarming celebrity journeys, it has consistently drawn millions of loyal viewers since its premiere in 2005.
However, the once-golden BBC series is now battling waves of controversy that have forced fans to question the truth behind the smiles.
As the show heads into its 21st season, returning on 20 September, internal tensions and scandalous allegations have started to surface.
The BBC’s beloved ballroom program, previously celebrated as a family-friendly spectacle, faces accusations ranging from bullying and harassment to inappropriate behavior and substance abuse. Well-known faces have been dropped, and previously admired professionals have become central figures in investigations.
The chain of events has transformed Strictly’s backstage environment into one dominated by scrutiny and criticism. It is no longer only about who lifts the glitterball trophy but about how the production manages an unfolding string of damaging headlines.
Giovanni Pernice Axed After Bullying Allegations
One of the first major blows came when professional dancer Giovanni Pernice was accused of bullying by his 2023 celebrity partner, Sherlock actor Amanda Abbington.
After only a few weeks on the show, Abbington withdrew, citing personal reasons, but later claimed that her exit was due to “inappropriate and mean behavior” from Pernice during training.
Following an extensive investigation, the BBC upheld her complaints, confirming evidence of verbal bullying and harassment, although it ruled out claims of physical aggression. Pernice was officially removed from the Strictly lineup in June 2024.
Abbington described the findings as a “vindication” and thanked the BBC for acknowledging her experience. Pernice, through his spokesperson, denied any malicious intent, expressing relief that the inquiry did not find evidence of violent behavior.
Despite this, the scandal significantly impacted his public image. Pernice, once a fan favorite known for his passionate choreography, became synonymous with toxic workplace rumors and controversy.
His case also reopened broader questions about the pressure, discipline, and power imbalance between celebrity contestants and seasoned professional dancers.
Graziano Di Prima and the Zara McDermott Incident
Just when the dust began to settle, another controversy erupted. Weeks after Pernice’s removal, dancer Graziano Di Prima was dropped from Strictly following disturbing allegations made by 2023 contestant Zara McDermott. Reports revealed that during one rehearsal, Di Prima had kicked McDermott, leaving her deeply shaken.
Di Prima publicly apologized, admitting that his excessive competitiveness might have unintentionally crossed boundaries. He emphasized that the incident was not reflective of his character but a mistake made during an intense period of training. The BBC, however, took decisive action and removed him from the professional cast.
Strictly Come Dancing (Credit: BBC)
McDermott later shared her emotional turmoil, revealing that she had feared public backlash and “victim-blaming” before going public. Videos of certain training room incidents reportedly surfaced, confirming parts of her account. Her courage encouraged others to speak about the stress and physical demands behind the dazzling televised routines.
The case prompted the BBC to introduce new welfare protocols, including assigning chaperones to training rooms and deploying specialized producers to monitor interactions between professionals and celebrities during rehearsals.
Former Contestants Speak Out About Rehearsal Pressure
As allegations spread, more former contestants began revisiting their own Strictly experiences. Paralympian Will Bayley, who competed in 2019, shared that relentless rehearsal demands left him with a severe knee injury.
He stated that his partner, Janette Manrara, was supportive but described immense production pressure to perform high-risk choreography repeatedly, even through pain.
Bayley’s career-threatening injury forced him to withdraw from the competition six weeks in. “It’s something I will never fully recover from,” he said, expressing that the show’s quest for perfection sometimes ignored physical limits.
Former Love Island presenter Laura Whitmore also broke her silence, claiming she felt “gaslit” when she raised concerns about Pernice’s behavior during her 2016 season. She said she was dismissed at the time, but the later incidents validated her feelings.
In response, the BBC implemented mandatory conduct and sensitivity workshops for all professional dancers and producers, in an effort to rebuild public trust and ensure a safer environment for everyone involved in the show.
Wynne Evans and Jamie Borthwick: Scandal on Tour
The live Strictly Come Dancing tour, once an extension of the show’s festive spectacle, was not immune from headlines either. Welsh opera singer Wynne Evans, famed for his Go Compare commercials, came under fire for inappropriate conduct during the 2024 tour.
Footage from live shows depicted him touching his partner Katya Jones uncomfortably, leading fans to question his professionalism.
Evans dismissed the clips as a “misinterpreted joke” and described the online stories as exaggerated. However, matters worsened when he made an “inappropriate remark” during a promotional event, leading the BBC to remove him from the official tour.
Adding to the chaos, a leaked backstage video showed EastEnders actor Jamie Borthwick joking about a sex toy allegedly sent by Evans. The footage spread across private chat groups before reaching BBC executives. Both Evans and Borthwick faced disciplinary actions, and Evans’s BBC Radio Wales contract was not renewed.
Borthwick’s troubles deepened after he was accused of using an ableist slur during filming in Blackpool. The BBC immediately suspended him, citing “unacceptable language” contrary to its values. He later apologized and was permanently removed from EastEnders, ending his 19-year run on the show.
Drug Allegations and Criminal Investigations
As Strictly’s reputation faltered, the BBC confirmed in August 2025 that it was investigating allegations of drug use among two unnamed participants. The case was referred by the legal representatives of a former contestant. Law firm Pinsent Masons was hired to lead the inquiry, though details remain confidential.
Compounding the show’s problems, reports surfaced weeks later of a former Strictly star’s arrest on suspicion of rape and non-consensual photo sharing.
Metropolitan Police officials confirmed the arrest of a man in his thirties but withheld his identity while the investigation continued. The news drew outrage and concern from fans and cast members alike, increasing the pressure on the BBC to ensure accountability and transparency.
Can the Show Rebuild Its Image?
For nearly two decades, Strictly Come Dancing represented joy, inclusion, and community all wrapped in music, sparkle, and storytelling through dance.
Yet, the past two years have forced the BBC to confront serious cultural problems within its production model. The 2023 and 2024 scandals marked a turning point, exposing a side of the show the audience never saw.
Despite the adversity, the BBC remains determined to restore credibility. With stricter HR oversight, counseling support for participants, and revised contracts emphasizing mental health, the network aims to regain public trust before Season 21 premieres.
Whether viewers will separate the sensational from the celebratory remains to be seen. What is certain, however, is that behind every glittering samba and smiling judge, Strictly is now a production under the brightest, and possibly harshest, spotlight it has ever faced.
