'Matlock' actor David Del Rio combats CBS firing, assault allegations

Actor David Del Rio has filed an arbitration claim over his termination from CBS on the series \

Actor David Del Rio has filed an arbitration claim over his termination from CBS on the series "Matlock" following allegations of sexual assault.

Del Rio, 38, has called the allegations"false and misleading" and has initiated arbitration against CBS Studios to address claims that caused "substantial professional and reputational harm," his attorney Shawn Holley said in a statement shared with USA TODAY.

"At the arbitration, Mr. Del Rio will present real-time text communications and evidence that directly contradicts prior public characterizations of the interaction at issue," Holley said. "This evidence was not fully considered before adverse employment action was taken."

CBS Studios declined to comment on the arbitration claim. The studio told USA TODAY it doesn't comment on legal matters.

The studio previously confirmed the "Pitch Perfect" actor's departure from the series on Oct. 9.