AceShowbiz - CBS has reaffirmed its decision to terminate David Del Rio from the legal drama Matlock following a supplemental investigation into the actor's conduct on set. The network originally dismissed Del Rio in October over an alleged incident and has now concluded a renewed review that keeps the actor permanently off the show.

Del Rio, who portrayed Billy Martinez on the Matlock reboot starring Kathy Bates, was written out of the series after his firing. His character's absence was explained in the midseason finale "Call It a Christmas Gift," where Billy takes a "personal day" following his girlfriend's miscarriage, effectively removing him from future storylines at the Jacobson Moore law firm.

The actor's final appearance came in the December episode "Prior Bad Acts." Production on Matlock continued without Del Rio before the show entered its previously scheduled hiatus, demonstrating the network's commitment to moving forward despite the disruption.

The alleged incident reportedly involved sexual assault allegations concerning Del Rio's co-star Leah Lewis, who plays Sarah on the series. While neither actor has directly addressed the situation publicly, Lewis posted a cryptic message on social media following news of Del Rio's termination.

"Mom is here, we're moving forward in love and strength. I'm in good hands," Lewis wrote. "Thank you to everybody for any kind of support and care. Truly, we're moving forward in strength. Key word, strength. Please, let that be the takeaway."

CBS has maintained its policy of not commenting on legal matters throughout the controversy. Representatives for Del Rio have not responded to requests for comment regarding the network's final decision.

Lewis recently shared a photo celebrating her return to production for the second half of Matlock's second season, signaling the show's continuation without Del Rio. The legal drama, which revitalized the classic series format with Bates in the lead role, will proceed with its remaining cast members when new episodes return.