Former 'Matlock' Writer Sues CBS Over Racist and Sexual Harassment Allegations

John Lowe, a former writer on the CBS series 'Matlock,' has filed a lawsuit in Los Angeles Superior Court alleging that showrunner Jennie Snyder Urman and other producers engaged in racist and sexually inappropriate conduct. Lowe, who was hired as an executive story editor in October 2023, claims he was terminated in July 2025 after raising concerns about the workplace environment.

According to the complaint, Lowe alleges that Urman referred to the Juneteenth holiday as 'Coonteenth,' using a historical racial slur with roots in antebellum America that was used to demean Black people. The lawsuit states that when Lowe asked whether the production would observe Juneteenth on June 19, 2025, Urman made the derogatory comment, which Lowe says shocked him and colleagues who overheard it. The lawsuit also claims that executive producer Nicki Renna made racially and sexually derogatory comments about Black cast member Eme Ikwuakor, stating 'Eme can barely read' and making an explicit sexual reference. Lowe further alleges he experienced sexually explicit conduct, including suggestive calls from a female producer, and was pressured to care for the showrunner's dog with implications his employment depended on it.

The lawsuit names CBS TV Studios, showrunner Jennie Snyder Urman, and executive producers Nicki Renna and Jeffrey Lieber as defendants, seeking unspecified damages. CBS Studios issued a statement denying the allegations, saying a thorough investigation was completed and they were unable to find support for Lowe's claims. The network stated it is committed to maintaining a safe and respectful environment and said it will vigorously defend the lawsuit.

The lawsuit adds to recent controversies surrounding the series, which premiered in September 2024 as a reboot of the 1986-1995 Andy Griffith legal drama. In October 2024, series regular David Del Rio was fired and escorted off the Paramount lot following an internal investigation into allegations that he sexually assaulted fellow cast member Leah Lewis in a trailer on September 26, 2024. That alleged incident triggered immediate action from producers and CBS Studios.