'Matlock' Writer Sues CBS TV Studios Over Racist and Sexual Remarks
The Hollywood Reporter • • entertainment
Key Points:
- John Lowe, a writer on CBS's Matlock, has sued CBS Television Studios and key producers, alleging a hostile work environment marked by sexual and racial harassment against Black cast and crew.
- Lowe claims he was subjected to racially charged sexual comments and was coerced into keeping a dog by showrunner Jennie Snyder Urman, which he describes as racially motivated harassment.
- The lawsuit details incidents including Urman referring to Juneteenth as "Coonteenth," and other disparaging remarks from producers toward Black staff, culminating in Lowe's termination shortly after he reported these issues.
- CBS Television Studios and the show's executive producers face accusations of failing to prevent harassment and retaliating against Lowe for raising concerns about workplace conduct.
- The lawsuit follows recent turmoil on Matlock, including the firing of actor David Del Rio over sexual assault allegations, highlighting ongoing challenges behind the successful CBS series.
