Matlock criticizes David Del Rio's exit after sexual assault claim

The actor took aim at the former co-star's departure from the show following the allegation.

Published on Feb. 27, 2026

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Andy Griffith, the star of the long-running legal drama "Matlock", has publicly criticized the exit of his former co-star David Del Rio from the show after a sexual assault allegation was made against Del Rio. Del Rio was fired from the series last year after CBS launched an investigation into the claim.

Why it matters

This incident highlights the ongoing challenges the entertainment industry faces in addressing allegations of misconduct, as well as the complex dynamics between co-stars when such claims arise.

The details

According to reports, Griffith expressed his disapproval of how the situation with Del Rio was handled, stating that he believed the allegations should have been investigated more thoroughly before the actor was dismissed from the show.

  • Del Rio was fired from "Matlock" in 2025 following a sexual assault allegation.
  • Griffith made his critical comments about Del Rio's exit in a recent interview in 2026.

The players

Andy Griffith

The star of the long-running legal drama "Matlock", who has publicly criticized the exit of his former co-star David Del Rio from the show.

David Del Rio

The former "Matlock" co-star who was fired from the series in 2025 following a sexual assault allegation against him.

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What they’re saying

“I believe the allegations should have been investigated more thoroughly before David was let go from the show.”

— Andy Griffith (The Independent)

The takeaway

This incident highlights the ongoing challenges the entertainment industry faces in addressing allegations of misconduct, as well as the complex dynamics between co-stars when such claims arise.