Hollywood Hit: CBS Fights Back Against Explosive Racism & Sexism Lawsuit From ‘Matlock’ Writer

CBS Studios has initiated legal action in Los Angeles Superior Court, filing a motion under the anti-SLAPP statute to challenge a lawsuit brought by former “Matlock” writer John Lowe. This move signifies the studio's full support for showrunner Jennie Snyder Urman and executive producers Nicki Renna and Jeffrey Lieber, all of whom are named alongside CBS Studios in Lowe's complaint. The studio's filing includes multiple declarations that directly dispute Lowe's wide-ranging allegations, asserting them to be inaccurate and maliciously fabricated.

Lowe's lawsuit, filed earlier this summer, accuses the executive producers of making “racially stereotyped comments about his body and genitalia” toward him and other Black cast and crew members, thereby fostering a “hostile work environment.” He also claimed his termination from “Matlock,” where he worked from October 2023 to July 2024, was a retaliatory act, occurring two weeks after he reported an alleged incident involving Jennie Snyder Urman. Lowe specifically alleged that Urman referred to Juneteenth as “Coonteenth.”

However, Urman, Renna, Lieber, and other witnesses have vehemently denied this specific accusation in their declarations, stating that Urman “never used that word (and) did not say it to Ms. Renna, to Lowe, or to anyone else.” CBS Studios emphasized that a thorough investigation found no merit to Lowe's claims, reiterating its commitment to a safe and respectful environment while vigorously defending the lawsuit.

Further allegations from Lowe included an incident where he claimed Urman brought her dog into the writers' room, citing her children's dislike for its “black color,” and that he was coerced into taking care of the dog for nearly a year. He perceived this as a racially motivated act designed to humiliate him. The producers, Urman, Renna, and Lieber, countered this by declaring it was not Urman’s dog, nor did she comment on its appearance or place it on Lowe’s lap. They also stated she was not present when Lowe asked to adopt the dog.

Lowe's complaint also detailed claims that Nicki Renna said Black cast member Eme Ikwuakor “can barely read” and that Renna allegedly called Lowe late at night, stating she “was in bed wearing only her underwear.” The producers declared these specific allegations were fabricated by Lowe. Regarding his general claims of sexually charged comments, the producers affirmed that “Lowe’s sexuality or his sex life was never questioned, nor was his body ever commented on.”

Adding another layer to the legal battle, Urman's declaration revealed that in January 2026—18 months after Lowe’s departure from “Matlock”—he sent an email demanding $10,000 from her. Urman reported this email to the company's HR representative, and it was after this demand and Urman's report that Lowe filed his first complaint with the company's HR representative. CBS Studios maintains that Lowe's performance deficiencies, rather than retaliation, were the reason his contract was not renewed, asserting that his lawsuit is “filled with fabrications and outright lies” and is an act of “retaliation by a desperate man.”

Ron Zambrano, Lowe's attorney, stated that they had not yet been served the motion but expressed confidence in successfully opposing it, indicating the complaint was drafted with such a possibility in mind. Previously, Zambrano had asserted that “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.” CBS Studios, however, stands firm, stating, “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.”