Inside former Matlock writer's lawsuit against CBS: Racism claims and network's push for dismissal

There is an update on the lawsuit between the former Matlock writer John Lowe and CBS. For the uninitiated, Lowe sued CBS Studios, executive producers Jeffrey Lieber and Nicki Renna, and showrunner Jennie Snyder Urman. The former writer's suit alleges a disturbing pattern of behaviors against the showrunner and the EPs.

Lowe alleged that the makers created a toxic work environment where he was targeted repeatedly. John Lowe accused the makers of repeatedly making unwelcome comments about his body. The writer further alleged that other cast and crew members of color were also not spared by the makers.

However, it seems that CBS has thrown its weight behind the makers, and it has filed a motion to dismiss Lowe's lawsuit.

CBS vs. Former Matlock writer lawsuit update - The studio seeks to dismiss Lowe's suit:

Attorney Ron Zambrano, who represents Matlock writer John Lowe, seemed confident that he could successfully convince the court to dismiss CBS's motion to dismiss his client's lawsuit.

CBS Studios' filing to dismiss Lowe's lawsuit alleges that the writer's legal complaint was inaccurate, stating that it was:

“Filled with fabrications and outright lies that it resembles a grotesque work of fiction more than a court pleading. Lowe was never subjected to race or s** harassment as he claims, and as this case progresses, Defendants are confident that Plaintiff’s malicious and unsupported attacks will be publicly exposed for what they are: retaliation by a desperate man who was not renewed as a writer because his performance deficiencies detrimentally impacted CBS’ ability to convey the messages it desired.”

John Lowe's lawsuit against CBS explained:

John Lowe filed a lawsuit this June alleging the studio and the makers created an unhealthy work environment. Lowe's suit alleged that he was fired from Matlock in July 2025, just two weeks after he reported showrunner Jennie Snyder Urman for using a derogatory term to describe Juneteenth. However, CBS revealed that Lowe was employed as a writer on the show until July 2024, and not 2025 as Lowe's complaint alleged.

Meanwhile, a CBS representative released a statement to Variety in support of the studio, the EPs, and the showrunner. The statement read:

“We take allegations of discrimination and harassment very seriously. Today, with the filing of our motion to strike, we took our first step toward challenging the baseless complaint filed by former ‘Matlock’ writer John Lowe. As stated in the motion and following a thorough investigation, we are confident that Lowe’s accusations are demonstrably inaccurate and maliciously fabricated, and will not allow them to go unchallenged."

The representative further added:

“False allegations are deeply damaging, both to those wrongly accused, and to anyone with a serious and legitimate claim of discrimination. We stand firmly behind our producers and look forward to the truth coming to light.”

As of now, we don't know if the court has chosen to dismiss John Lowe's lawsuit or not.

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Given that the series was renewed for a third season this January, we can expect new developments in this case in the coming months.

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