Matlock Writers Room Descends Into Chaos as Executive Story Editor Files Hostile Workplace Lawsuit

The“Matlock”reboot has quietly become one of television’s most troubled productions, and a new lawsuit filed Wednesday reveals just how bad things got behind the scenes. John Lowe, who was hired in 2023 as an executive story editor, is suing creator Jennie Urman Snyder and writers Nicki Renna and Jeffrey Lieber, alleging that the writers room became a toxic environment fueled by racial slurs, sexually inappropriate behavior, and retaliation for speaking up.

According to the complaint, the mistreatment was both systemic and personal. Lowe, who is Black, describes an environment he says was“permeated by sexually explicit and discriminatory conduct.”The most egregious incident allegedly occurred last June when Lowe asked if the show would observe Juneteenth—a significant holiday in the Black community. Snyder’s response, according to the lawsuit, was to call it“C***teenth,”using a racial slur. Just 13 days later, after the show went on hiatus, Snyder verbally fired him with no written notice or stated reason.

The allegations extend beyond that single incident. Lowe claims Renna made derogatory comments about Black cast member Eme Ikwuakor, allegedly saying“Eme can barely read”and making offensive remarks about his body. He also describes a workplace culture where sexual boundaries were routinely violated—including inappropriate comments from both Snyder and Lieber about his clothing and body, and a late-night call from Renna claiming to be in bed and undressed, followed by graphic descriptions of her sex life. This supposedly happened even after the show had completed mandatory anti-harassment training.

CBS, which produces the show, tells a different story. The network claims a thorough investigation found no support for Lowe’s allegations and says he’s only now making complaints“well after”his employment ended. That defense rings hollow given the timeline, but it signals the fight ahead will be contentious.

What’s particularly damning is that this isn’t“Matlock’s”first scandal. In October, actor David Del Rio was removed from the cast following allegations that he sexually assaulted costar Leah Lewis—allegations he’s denied. Two major controversies in less than a year suggests a workplace that’s fundamentally broken, where accountability either doesn’t exist or comes far too late.

The lawsuit forces CBS and the show’s creative team to answer some hard questions about who’s responsible for setting the tone on a set and what oversight actually looks like when alleged misconduct gets reported. For now, all eyes are on the courtroom.