Matlock fans have seen the last of Billy Martinez onscreen, and the hit CBS legal drama finally provided the reason behind the character's departure.
David Del Rio made his final appearance as Billy in Matlock season 2 episode 7, and while the character had been spoken about in subsequent episodes, including being described as "out sick," the character's exit wasn't fully explained until season 2 episode 10. In the episode, Sarah (Leah Lewis) explains that Billy accepted a severance package to leave the Jacobson Moore law firm.
The previous episode found a productivity consultant named Gwen (Sarah Wright Olsen) dropping by the firm and pointing out positions that could be tightened or eliminated altogether. Billy's exit from the firm and series is likely linked to that twist, but the team quickly grew with the addition of Hunter Langley (Henry Haber), a floater at the firm who proves his quirky strengths.
Prior to Billy accepting the severance package, Matlock season 2 explained his on-screen disappearance with developments in his personal life. He had been dealing with the surprise pregnancy of his on-again, off-again fiancée Claudia. As they prepared to start their family together, Billy informed Sarah that Claudia had a miscarriage. This all happens offscreen.
Why did David Del Rio leave Matlock?
Of course, the reason behind Billy's exit from Matlock has much more behind it than what happens to the character. Before the second season made its premiere on CBS in October 2025, reports surfaced that David Del Rio was was fired effective immediately from the series, though he had already filmed seven episode of season 2. He was escorted off the Paramount lot.
Del Rio was fired due to sexual assault allegations from a situation that allegedly involved costar Leah Lewis. After an investigation into the incident and allegations was performed by CBS, the actor was dismissed from the series and written out of the show ahead of a pre-planned production hiatus. Del Rio denied and the allegations, and the investigation reopened in December 2025.
Aside from a subtle nod to the situation by Lewis on Instagram Stories last year, the matter has been mostly been kept private considering the sensitive nature. CBS hasn't commented on the actor's departure or his recent legal filings, and the hit series continues to power forward with new episodes a season 3 renewal.
Prior to the airing of Matlock season 2 episode 10, which provided the reason for Billy's departure and gave his storyline closure, Del Rio filed an arbitration claim against CBS. According to Variety, Del Rio's employment agreement prevents him from filming a public lawsuit against CBS, which is why he has taken the matter to private arbitration.
The actor's lawyer Shawn Holley argues that "real-time text communications and evidence" contradict the claims made against him and that the evidence wasn't properly considered before he was fired from the show. Holley said, "Mr. Del Rio looks forward to resolving this matter through the appropriate legal forum and has faith that a full evidentiary review will establish the truth and restore his professional reputation."