David Del Rio Returns to Instagram Amid Backlash Following “Matlock” Dismissal

In the high-stakes world of Hollywood, a social media post is never just a post. It’s a statement, a chess move, a carefully curated glimpse into a life under siege. (Don’t cha know?) And David Del Rio, fresh off his unceremonious firing from CBS’s highly successful “Matlock” reboot, just made his move. The actor, who has been shrouded in controversy following sexual assault allegations from co-star Leah Lewis, just popped back up on Instagram, and let’s just say, the timing is anything but coincidental.

David Del Rio’s Calculated Instagram Return

Just weeks after being fired and reportedly escorted off the “Matlock” set, David Del Rio has broken his digital silence. He didn’t release a formal statement or address the career-altering allegations head-on. Instead, he opted for a softer, more calculated approach: a family-focused Instagram story.

On Saturday, December 6, Del Rio’s wife, Katherine Del Rio, posted a belated Thanksgiving tribute. The post featured a collage of festive photos showing David, Katherine, and their two young daughters. The caption read:

“Belated Thanksgiving fun! Deeply thankful for my family — who always show up for the girls and [sic] I.” 

It’s a classic crisis management play – presenting a united family front, an image of wholesome normalcy amidst a raging storm. While the post actually came from his wife’s account, a photo of Del Rio himself, smiling alongside his family, made a pointed appearance in her story. It’s a quiet but defiant return to the public eye, a picture-perfect scene designed to counteract the grim headlines.

What’s the “Matlock” Drama All About?

For those just catching up, the drama exploded in October when Us Weekly confirmed Del Rio was being written out of “Matlock’s” second season. The decision came after co-star Leah Lewis filed a report in late September alleging sexual assault. CBS acted swiftly, launching an internal investigation that resulted in David Del Rio’s immediate termination. His character, junior lawyer Billy Martinez, is being scrubbed from the remainder of the season; a messy but necessary rewrite for the production.

While David Del Rio has remained officially silent, his wife Katherine hasn’t been as reserved. Shortly after the allegations surfaced, she posted a photo of Leah Lewis to her Instagram Story with the scathing text, “This is the most disturbing human being I have ever met.” The post was quickly deleted, but the message was clear. Sources have since confirmed to the press that Katherine is standing by her husband, reinforcing the “us against the world” narrative their latest Thanksgiving post seems to project.

How is Leah Lewis Handling the Fallout?

Leah Lewis, for her part, has navigated the situation with bravery and grace. Shortly after the news broke, she shared on social media a photo with her mother, writing, “Mom is here, we’re moving forward in love and strength. I’m in good hands.” She’s since confirmed her return to the “Matlock” set, posting a photo on December 1 with the simple caption, “And we [sic] back up and running.” Her co-stars, including veteran actor Beau Bridges, have rallied around the production’s return, confirming that filming for the second half of the season is definitely underway.

The stark contrast between the two camps is impossible to ignore. On one side, you have Lewis, focusing on strength, support, and getting back to work. On the other, the Del Rio camp is broadcasting a message of family unity, a carefully crafted image that feels more like a PR strategy than just a simple holiday update. 

Del Rio has hired high-profile attorney Shawn Holley (she’s Danny Masterson’s attorney), suggesting he’s gearing up for a significant legal battle. His quiet return to Instagram isn’t a sign of surrender; it’s the opening salvo in potentially a war for public opinion. As “Matlock” prepares to air its midseason finale, the real drama is clearly happening off-screen.