Former “Matlock” Writer Sues CBS Over Alleged Racist and Sexual Harassment
A former writer on the CBS series “Matlock” has filed a lawsuit against the network, alleging that executives made racist and sexual comments that created a hostile work environment, according to court documents. John Lowe, who worked on the 2023 reboot starring Kathy Bates, claims that showrunner Jennie Snyder Urman and other producers subjected him to discriminatory remarks, including references to his “well-endowed” stature and racially charged comments about Black cast members.
Allegations of Racist and Sexual Harassment
The lawsuit, filed in California Superior Court, details multiple incidents of alleged harassment. Lowe claims Urman and executive producer Jeffrey Lieber made comments about how tightly his clothes fit and joked that his shoe size indicated he was “well-endowed down there,” which the suit describes as invoking a racist stereotype about Black men. The complaint also states that Urman, along with producer Nicki Renna, interrogated Lowe about his dating life and questioned his sexuality, including asking, “how he handled a man’s genitals.”
Renna is accused of making a derogatory comment about Eme Ikwuakor, a Black cast member, claiming he “barely read” and was “saved by the size of his penis.” The suit further alleges that Urman called Juneteenth “Coonteenth,” a racial slur, and harassed Lowe through late-night calls and requests to care for her dog, which she allegedly rejected due to its “black color.”
CBS’s Response to the Lawsuit
A spokeswoman for CBS Studios stated the network takes workplace complaints seriously and conducted an investigation into Lowe’s claims, which it says “found no support” for the allegations. “We look forward to vigorously defending this lawsuit,” the statement said. The network did not comment on the specific incidents described in the complaint.
Lowe’s attorney, Ron Zambrano, criticized CBS for allowing “blatant racism and harassment,” stating that the writer was subjected to “demeaning and unlawful conduct.” The lawsuit seeks compensatory and punitive damages, as well as lost wages.
Context of the “Matlock” Reboot
The “Matlock” reboot, a modern adaptation of the 1980s series, ranked as the fourth most-watched network show last season, averaging 11.5 million viewers on CBS and Paramount+. However, the show has faced scrutiny in the past. In 2023, actor David Del Rio left the series ahead of its second season after a CBS investigation, though the focus of the probe was not disclosed.
Lowe’s employment reportedly ended in July 2024, shortly after Urman’s Juneteenth comment. His lawyers allege that his termination lacked “performance-based or creative justification,” citing emotional distress, lost income, and medical expenses for mental health treatment.
What Happens Next?
The lawsuit is in its early stages, with no court date set. Legal experts note that workplace harassment cases often hinge on the credibility of witnesses and the strength of documentation. If Lowe’s claims are substantiated, the case could prompt broader discussions about accountability in entertainment industry leadership. CBS has not indicated plans to address the allegations beyond its initial statement.
As the case unfolds, it may also draw attention to the broader challenges faced by Black professionals in Hollywood, where systemic discrimination and harassment have been documented in multiple industries. The outcome could set a precedent for how networks handle similar complaints in the future.