When reporting on situations like this, it’s important to separate verified facts from speculation and online rumors.
At this time, there is no widely confirmed, credible reporting from major entertainment or news outlets establishing that David Del Rio was formally “fired” from Matlock due to assault claims. If allegations of misconduct exist, their status (investigation, denial, legal action, etc.) would need to be confirmed through reliable sources before drawing conclusions.
That said, in the television industry, there are several common reasons why an actor might still appear in new episodes even after controversy or alleged termination:
First, television production operates months ahead of broadcast. Episodes are often filmed well in advance. If an actor’s exit occurs after filming wraps, the network may still air already completed episodes because reshooting them would be costly and logistically difficult.
Second, contracts matter. Actors are typically signed to season-long agreements. Unless there is a legal basis for immediate removal, networks may allow pre-shot material to air while evaluating next steps. In some cases, an investigation may be ongoing while episodes continue to broadcast.
Third, editing timelines can complicate removals. If the character plays a key role in ongoing story arcs, abruptly cutting them from finished episodes could disrupt narrative continuity. Networks may choose to phase out a character gradually rather than make a sudden, disruptive change.
Fourth, allegations and verified findings are not the same. If claims have been made but not substantiated through legal or internal investigation, networks may proceed cautiously to avoid legal exposure.
It’s also important to approach assault allegations responsibly. Such claims are serious and deserve careful reporting. Repeating unverified accusations can cause harm to both accusers and the accused. The most reliable information will come from official statements by the network, the actor’s representatives, or credible news outlets.
