Matlock Writer Alleges the CBS Show Created a “Hostile Work Environment”
A disturbing picture.
Matlock writer John Lowe has filed a lawsuit against CBS Television Studios, accusing the show’s leadership of fostering a hostile work environment riddled with racist and sexually explicit comments. According to The Hollywood Reporter, the lawsuit, filed in California state court, names showrunner Jennie Snyder Urman and executive producers Nicki Renna and Jeffrey Lieber as defendants.
Lowe alleges he was terminated in retaliation after reporting an incident where Urman referred to Juneteenth as “C********h,” a slur rooted in racist stereotypes from the antebellum South, per Deadline. The lawsuit paints a disturbing picture of the writers’ room, where Lowe claims he was subjected to a pattern of demeaning behavior. Shortly after joining the show in October 2023, he says he was told his shoe size and race meant he was “well-endowed down there.”
The comments didn’t stop there. Lowe was asked invasive questions about his sex life, including how he “handled a man’s genitals.” The alleged harassment extended beyond verbal jabs. Urman reportedly brought her dog into the writers’ room, declaring her children no longer wanted it, and pressured Lowe to take the animal home. He claims the demand was racially motivated, with Urman telling him, “As long as you have this dog, you’ll always have a place here.”
Lowe’s experience wasn’t isolated
The lawsuit alleges that Renna made racially charged remarks about Black cast member Eme Ikwuakor, including the claim that he “can barely read.” In another incident, Renna allegedly called Lowe late at night, telling him she was in bed wearing only her underwear. The situation escalated in June 2025 when Lowe asked Urman if the writers’ room would observe Juneteenth. Her response, calling the holiday “C********h,” left Lowe and his colleagues stunned.
“I had prayed for this moment — to be on a Paramount film set,” Lowe said. “She said it on purpose as a way of letting me know that she owns me to a degree.”
The fallout was swift. Lowe says he spent the following workweek crying in empty soundstages before being placed on hiatus. He was terminated in July 2025, less than two weeks after raising concerns about the writers’ room’s management. The lawsuit alleges his firing was retaliatory, a claim CBS denies.
A spokesperson for the studio said they take workplace complaints seriously but found no support for Lowe’s allegations after a thorough investigation. “We are committed to maintaining a safe and respectful environment for everyone,” the statement read. “We look forward to vigorously defending this lawsuit.”
This isn’t the first controversy to rock Matlock since its revival
The show, a modern take on the classic Andy Griffith legal drama, has been a ratings hit for CBS, averaging 16 million cross-platform viewers over 35 days in its first season. But behind the scenes, tensions have simmered.
In October 2024, actor David Del Rio was abruptly fired following an internal investigation into a sexual assault allegation involving a female cast member series. Del Rio later initiated arbitration against CBS, claiming evidence undermining the allegations wasn’t fully considered before his termination.
Lowe’s lawsuit arrives at a time when Hollywood is grappling with long-standing issues of toxic workplace culture. The allegations against Matlock’s leadership echo broader industry struggles, where power dynamics and racial insensitivity have come under scrutiny.
For Lowe, the experience has been deeply personal. “It’s vicious in a writers’ room as a Black creative,” he said. “You’re either treated like a threat or a pet.” His legal team is pushing for accountability. “There is no excuse for this blatant racism and harassment,” said Ron Zambrano, Lowe’s attorney. “CBS should be ashamed for allowing it, and the Matlock showrunner and producers should be held accountable.”
The case highlights the challenges faced by Black creatives in an industry rooted in systemic biases
Lowe’s background in casting, including stints on Survivor, Project Runway, and Under the Gun, underscores the breadth of his experience. His hiring as an executive story editor on Matlock was a career milestone, one he says was overshadowed by the toxic environment. The lawsuit details how Urman’s alleged behavior created a culture of fear and humiliation.
CBS’s response suggests the studio stands by its investigation, but the lawsuit raises questions about the effectiveness of internal probes. Lowe’s termination shortly after reporting the incident adds weight to his claims of retaliation. The timing of the lawsuit, filed just before this year’s Juneteenth, amplifies its resonance.
The holiday, which commemorates the end of slavery in the U.S., carries deep historical significance. Urman’s alleged use of a racist slur to describe it has struck a nerve, particularly in an industry where diversity and inclusion efforts have faced criticism for falling short.
The show, starring Kathy Bates as a lawyer restarting her career, has been a bright spot for CBS. Its ensemble cast, including Leah Lewis and Skye P. Marshall has drawn praise, but the behind-the-scenes turmoil could overshadow its on-screen achievements. Lowe’s case is a reminder that even in 2026, workplace harassment remains a pervasive issue.
His decision to speak out reflects a growing willingness among industry professionals to challenge systemic mistreatment. Whether the lawsuit will lead to meaningful change at CBS or within Matlock’s production remains to be seen. For now, it’s a stark example of the work that still needs to be done to create equitable and respectful workplaces in Hollywood.
(Featured image: CBS Broadcasting Inc.)
Have a tip we should know? [email protected]
Follow The Mary Sue:
