Explosive Lawsuit Rocks CBS: 'Matlock' Writer Alleges Racism & Sexual Harassment

Former “Matlock” writer John Lowe has filed a comprehensive lawsuit against CBS Television Studios, showrunner Jennie Snyder Urman, and executive producers Nicki Renna and Jeffrey Lieber, alleging a pattern of severe racial and sexual harassment that created a hostile work environment. Lowe, who served on the “Matlock” writing staff from October 2023 until his termination in July 2025, claims his dismissal was a direct act of retaliation, occurring just two weeks after he reported an alleged incident where Urman referred to Juneteenth as “Coonteenth.”

The lawsuit details multiple instances of alleged misconduct, highlighting racially stereotyped comments made towards Lowe and other Black cast and crew members concerning their bodies and genitalia. Among the most striking allegations involving Urman, Lowe recounts an incident where the showrunner brought her dog into the writers’ room, stating her children “didn’t like the aesthetic” of its black color. Lowe claims he was subsequently coerced into taking care of the dog for nearly a year while other staff were present, a demand he perceived as racially motivated and intended to humiliate him based on his race, rather than for any legitimate creative or production reason.

Executive producer Nicki Renna is also implicated in the lawsuit for a series of disturbing comments. Lowe alleges that Renna stated Black cast member Eme Ikwuakor “can barely read” and made a “racially and sexually derogatory comment” about him, specifically saying “Eme’s [big black cock] saves him.” This comment, according to Lowe, was a gratuitous racial epithet unrelated to any legitimate production function. Furthermore, Lowe claims Renna made an inappropriate late-night phone call to him, allegedly stating she “was in bed wearing only her underwear.” The complaint asserts that there was “no shortage of sexually explicit comments” directed towards Lowe and other staff regarding their genitalia and using racial stereotypes from Urman, Renna, and Lieber.

In response to the allegations, CBS Studios issued a statement confirming that it had conducted a thorough internal investigation, which ultimately found Lowe’s claims to be unsubstantiated. A company spokesperson stated, “We are committed to maintaining a safe and respectful environment for everyone and take all workplace complaints seriously. In this instance, a thorough investigation was completed, and we were unable to find support for his allegations. We look forward to vigorously defending this lawsuit.”

Lowe’s attorney, Ron Zambrano, vehemently condemned the alleged conduct, stating, “There is no excuse for this blatant racism and harassment. CBS should be ashamed for allowing it, and the Matlock showrunner and producers should be held accountable. Mr. Lowe was subjected to degrading and unlawful conduct. He deserved to be treated with dignity and respect, as everyone should expect in the workplace, not subjected to these outrageous and illegal racial slurs and sexual harassment without any connection to his work on the show.”

This lawsuit emerges three months after actor David Del Rio filed a separate arbitration claim against CBS Studios following his firing last fall due to a sexual assault allegation. Despite the drama, “Matlock,” which premiered in 2024, has been a significant hit for CBS, earning high praise and trailing only “Tracker” in viewership for the network’s first season.