‘Matlock’ Writer Sues CBS Over Alleged Racist and Sexual Comments
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John Lowe, a former writer on the television series “Matlock,” has filed a lawsuit against CBS Television Studios, showrunner Jennie Snyder Urman, and executive producers Nicki Renna and Jeffrey Lieber. The lawsuit, filed on Wednesday, alleges that Lowe and other Black cast and crew members were subjected to racially stereotyped comments about his body and genitalia, creating a hostile work environment. Lowe, who worked on the show from October 2023 to July 2025, claims he was terminated in retaliation two weeks after reporting an alleged incident in which Urman referred to Juneteenth as “Coonteenth.” The lawsuit also details an alleged incident where Urman brought her dog to the writers’ room, citing that her children “didn’t like the aesthetic” of the dog’s black color, and Lowe claims he was coerced into caring for the dog for nearly a year. CBS Studios stated that it investigated the allegations and found them not substantiated, adding that it looks forward to defending the lawsuit. The complaint also includes allegations against executive producer Renna, including that she said a Black cast member “can barely read” and that she called Lowe late at night saying she was in bed wearing only her underwear.
What’s reported
John Lowe filed a lawsuit against CBS Television Studios, showrunner Jennie Snyder Urman, and executive producers Nicki Renna and Jeffrey Lieber on Wednesday.
The lawsuit alleges racially stereotyped comments about Lowe’s body and genitalia were made toward him and other Black cast and crew members.
Lowe worked on “Matlock” from October 2023 to July 2025.
He claims he was terminated two weeks after reporting an alleged incident where Urman referred to Juneteenth as “Coonteenth.”
Lowe alleges Urman brought her dog to the writers’ room, citing that her children “didn’t like the aesthetic” of the dog’s black color, and he was coerced into taking the dog for nearly a year.
CBS Studios said it investigated the allegations and found they were not substantiated, and it looks forward to defending the lawsuit.
The complaint alleges executive producer Renna said Black cast member Eme Ikwuakor “can barely read.”
Renna allegedly called Lowe late at night and said she “was in bed wearing only her underwear.”
Lowe’s attorney Ron Zambrano stated, “There is no excuse for this blatant racism and harassment.”
The lawsuit comes three months after actor David Del Rio filed an arbitration claim against CBS Studios over his firing last fall.
Conflicting accounts
CBS Studios stated that a thorough investigation found no support for Lowe’s allegations, while Lowe’s lawsuit claims the allegations are substantiated.
Key figures
John Lowe, former writer on “Matlock”
Jennie Snyder Urman, showrunner
Nicki Renna, executive producer
Jeffrey Lieber, executive producer
Ron Zambrano, Lowe’s attorney
Eme Ikwuakor, Black cast member
David Del Rio, actor who filed an arbitration claim
Sources: Variety
