Former 'Matlock' Writer Sues CBS, Showrunner Over Racism and Sexual Harassment Claims

John Lowe, a former executive story editor on the CBS series 'Matlock,' filed a lawsuit on June 17, 2026, against CBS Television Studios, showrunner Jennie Snyder Urman, and executive producers Nicki Renna and Jeffrey Lieber. Lowe alleges he endured a hostile work environment during his employment from October 2023 to July 2025, characterized by racially stereotyped comments about his body and genitalia, questions about his sexuality, and sexually inappropriate conduct by supervisors.

The lawsuit details several specific incidents. Lowe claims that Urman and producer Jeffrey Lieber made comments about his shoe size implying sexual capability, and that Urman, Lieber, and Renna questioned his sexuality and asked inappropriate questions about his handling of men's genitals. Most notably, Lowe alleges that in 2024, Urman brought her dog into the writers' room, placed it on his lap, and explained that her children disliked the dog because of its 'black color.' According to the complaint, Urman coerced Lowe into caring for the dog for nearly a year, telling him that 'as long as you have this dog, you'll always have a place here'—conduct Lowe characterizes as racially motivated humiliation.

Additionally, Lowe claims that in June 2025, when he inquired whether the company would observe Juneteenth, Urman allegedly referred to the holiday using a racial slur, calling it 'Coonteenth.' Lowe was terminated on July 2, 2025—just 13 days after reporting this incident—which he characterizes as retaliatory. The complaint also alleges that executive producer Renna made a demeaning comment about Black cast member Eme Ikwuakor, saying he 'can barely read,' and made an unwanted late-night call claiming to be in bed wearing only underwear.

CBS Studios responded with a statement asserting that it had conducted a thorough investigation and found the allegations unsubstantiated. 'We are committed to maintaining a safe and respectful environment for everyone and take all workplace complaints seriously,' the company said. 'We look forward to vigorously defending this lawsuit.' The production company stated it was not made aware of the legal action until the day it was filed, although Lowe had made workplace complaints after leaving his position.

Lowe's attorney, Ron Zambrano, condemned the alleged conduct, stating there is 'no excuse for this blatant racism and harassment' and that 'CBS should be ashamed for allowing it.' Lowe is seeking compensatory and punitive damages, along with attorneys' fees and costs. The lawsuit comes three months after actor David Del Rio filed an arbitration claim against CBS Studios related to his dismissal from the series.