A writer on CBS’s hit drama Matlock has filed lawsuit against CBS Television Studios, alleging that the show’s leadership created a hostile work environment marked by racist and sexually inappropriate comments. According to The Hollywood Reporter, writer John Lowe filed the lawsuit on Wednesday in California state court against CBS Television Studios, showrunner Jennie Snyder Urman (Jane the Virgin, Charmed), and executive producers Nicki Renna (Charmed, Harlan Coben’s Shelter) and Jeffrey Lieber (Lost, NCIS: New Orleans).
The complaint alleges a workplace environment “permeated by sexually explicit and discriminatory conduct” and claims Lowe was terminated after raising concerns about alleged behavior in the writers’ room. Lowe, who joined Matlock as an executive story editor in 2023 after working on Virgin River and reality programs including Survivor, alleges he was subjected to racially and sexually charged remarks during his time on the series.
One of the lawsuit’s central allegations involves an incident in which Lowe says he asked whether the writers’ room would observe Juneteenth. According to the complaint, a supervisor responded by referring to the holiday using a racial slur. Lowe alleges the incident contributed to a hostile workplace environment and that he was later placed on hiatus before being terminated. The lawsuit claims the firing was retaliatory.
mxdwn previously covered a separate legal dispute involving the series when actor David Del Rio exited Matlock following alleged sexual assault claims. That report focused on Del Rio’s departure from the production and his later challenge to the circumstances surrounding his termination.
While unrelated to Lowe’s allegations, the lawsuit marks another legal matter connected to the CBS drama. CBS Studios disputed Lowe’s claims.
In a statement provided to The Hollywood Reporter, a spokesperson said, “We are committed to maintaining a safe and respectful environment for everyone and take all workplace complaints seriously.” The studio added that it conducted an investigation and “was unable to find support for his allegations,” and said it intends to defend against the lawsuit vigorously.
The lawsuit arrives during a successful period for Matlock, which stars Kathy Bates (Misery, Richard Jewell), Leah Lewis (Nancy Drew, The Half of It), Skye P. Marshall (Black Lightning, Chilling Adventures of Sabrina), and Jason Ritter (Parenthood, Gravity Falls). The Hollywood Reporter notes the series averaged 16 million cross-platform viewers over 35 days during its first season.
The case remains ongoing, and the allegations outlined in the complaint have not been proven in court.