‘Matlock’ plagued by fresh allegations of misconduct following David Del Rio’s exit in 2025

John Lowe, a former managing story editor at CBS legal drama Matlockfiled a lawsuit Wednesday in California court against CBS Television Studiosshowrunner Jennie Snyder Urman and executive producers Nicki Renna and Jeffrey Lieber, alleging a hostile work environment steeped in racist and sexually explicit behavior.

The suit alleges that racially charged comments were made about the bodies by Black cast and crew members, including Lowe himself.

Lowe worked on Matlock between October 2023 and until his termination in July 2025, which he alleges in his suit was retaliation that came less than two weeks after he reported Urman for referring to Juneteenth as “C–teenth.”

“C–n” is a racial slur with roots in the antebellum South, historically used to describe black people as lazy, loud or deceitful, according to the lawsuit.

CBS has since responded, saying an internal investigation did not substantiate the claims.

In a statement according to Deadline, CBS Studios said: “We are committed to maintaining a safe and respectful environment for everyone and take all workplace complaints seriously. In this case, a thorough investigation was completed and we were unable to find support for his allegations. We look forward to vigorously defending this lawsuit.”

The suit also brings into focus comments from Nicki Renna, especially towards Black cast member Eme Ikwuakor.

According to DeadlineRenna reportedly said Ikwuakor “can barely read” and called him late at night saying she was “in bed wearing only her underwear.” Furthermore, the suit also states that Renna made sexually derogatory remarks about Ikwuakor, such as “Emes (big black c**k) saves him.”

“This comment was not made in connection with any legitimate casting, creative or production function; it was an gratuitous racial epithet that demeaned Ikwuakor based on his race, which plaintiff of the same race witnessed and found deeply offensive,” according to the report, which cited the 11-page, three-claim lawsuit.

It also states that Lowe witnessed such remarks and found them offensive.

The lawsuit is not the first controversy to hit the production.

Actor David Del Rio was fired in October 2025 following sexual assault allegations stemming from an alleged incident in her trailer on September 26, 2025.

According to Deadlinethe charge reportedly involved a guy Matlock cast Leah Lewis.

He has since filed an arbitration claim against CBS Studios, accusing the network of making false and misleading claims that caused him professional and reputational harm.