What To Know
- Matlock writer John Lowe is suing CBS Television Studios, alleging he and other Black cast and crew members were subjected to racist and sexually inappropriate comments, creating a hostile work environment.
- CBS responded that an investigation found no support for Lowe’s allegations, while the show previously faced controversy over the firing of actor David Del Rio following sexual assault allegations.
Matlock writer John Lowe is suing CBS Television Studios over his alleged treatment during his time on the show, claiming that executives subjected him and other Black cast and crew members to racist and sexually inappropriate comments.
According to The Hollywood Reporter, the lawsuit claims Lowe faced a hostile work environment and that discriminatory behavior was tolerated behind the scenes during the production of the hit series.
Filed on Wednesday, June 17, the lawsuit accuses Matlock showrunner Jennie Snyder Urman and the series’ executive producers of creating a hostile work environment “permeated by sexually explicit and discriminatory conduct.” According to Lowe, he was allegedly terminated after reporting a supervisor for referring to Juneteenth as “Coonteenth.” Lowe also claims that shortly after joining the show, he was told that, based on his race and shoe size, he must be “well-endowed down there,” one of several alleged comments made about his body and sex life.
The lawsuit also names CBS Television Studios, Matlock showrunner Jennie Snyder Urman, and executive producers Nicki Renna and Jeffrey Lieber. In the suit, Lowe seeks unspecified damages and brings claims for hostile work environment and failure to prevent harassment.
“It’s vicious in a writers’ room as a Black creative,” Lowe said to The Hollywood Reporter. “You’re either treated like a threat or a pet.”
“We are committed to maintaining a safe and respectful environment for everyone and take all workplace complaints seriously,” a CBS Studios spokesperson responded in a statement to THR. “In this instance, a thorough investigation was completed, and we were unable to find support for his allegations. We look forward to vigorously defending this lawsuit.”
This is not the first controversy to hit Matlock. David Del Rio, who played Billy Martinez, was fired during production on Season 2 in 2025 following allegations that he sexually assaulted his costar, Leah Lewis, who plays Sarah Franklin, on the set of the CBS drama. Del Rio has denied the allegations. The incident drew significant attention at the time and led to his removal from the series as the matter moved through legal channels.
Renewed last January, Matlock is moving to a midseason premiere for Season 3 in the 2026-2027 broadcast schedule.
Matlock, Season 3 Premiere, 2027, CBS
If you or someone you know is the victim of sexual assault, contact the Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network‘s National Helpline at 1-800-656-HOPE (4673). If you or a loved one is in immediate danger, call 911.