1 day ago
CBS Seeks Dismissal of Former Matlock Writer’s Harassment Lawsuit
A former Matlock writer named John Lowe sued people connected to the show.
He says he faced racial and sexual harassment at work.
He also says producers allowed bad behavior to continue.
CBS and the producers deny his claims.
They say the accusations were made up and are not supported by witnesses.
CBS says Lowe worked on the show from October 2023 to July 2024.
The network says it chose not to bring him back because of problems with his performance.
CBS is asking the court to throw out the lawsuit and says an investigation supported its position.
CBS is asking a Los Angeles court to dismiss former Matlock writer John Lowe’s lawsuit.
Lowe alleges producers allowed racial and sexual harassment, including a slur about Juneteenth and a suggestive call.
CBS calls the allegations fabricated and denies that Lowe experienced race or sex harassment.
The network says Lowe worked on Matlock from October 2023 until July 2024, not July 2025.
CBS argues that its decision not to rehire Lowe was a creative decision protected by California’s anti-SLAPP law.
- Who
- Former Matlock writer John Lowe sued CBS Studios, showrunner Jennie Urman Snyder, and producers Nicki Renna and Jeffrey Lieber; CBS and the other defendants are seeking dismissal.
- What
- CBS filed a motion to dismiss or strike Lowe’s lawsuit, which alleges racial and sexual harassment and unlawful termination.
- Where
- The lawsuit is pending in Los Angeles Superior Court in California.
- When
- Lowe filed the lawsuit in June; CBS says he worked on Matlock from October 2023 through July 2024.
- Why
- CBS says the allegations are inaccurate and fabricated, and argues that its decision not to reengage Lowe was a creative decision protected by California’s anti-SLAPP statute.
Lowe’s allegations
CBS’s response
Harassment claims
Lowe’s allegations
Lowe alleges that showrunner Jennie Urman Snyder referred to Juneteenth using a racial slur and that another producer made a sexually suggestive late-night call.
CBS’s response
CBS says Snyder never used the alleged slur, others did not witness it, and Lowe was never subjected to race or sex harassment.
Reason for departure
Lowe’s allegations
Lowe’s lawsuit alleges that he was unlawfully terminated and seeks unspecified damages, including lost wages.
CBS’s response
CBS says Lowe was not renewed because performance deficiencies harmed the studio’s ability to convey its desired messages.
Legal status
Lowe’s allegations
Lowe has brought the claims in Los Angeles Superior Court.
CBS’s response
CBS and the other defendants are asking the court to strike or dismiss the claims under California’s anti-SLAPP statute.
Key facts
- Plaintiff
- John Lowe, a former Matlock writer
- Defendants
- CBS Studios, Jennie Urman Snyder, Nicki Renna, and Jeffrey Lieber
- Allegations
- Lowe claims racial and sexual harassment and unlawful termination.
- CBS’s response
- CBS says the accusations are demonstrably inaccurate, maliciously fabricated, and unsupported.
- Employment period
- CBS says Lowe was hired in October 2023 and departed in July 2024.
- Legal argument
- CBS says the decision not to reengage Lowe was a creative decision covered by California’s anti-SLAPP statute.
Quotes
CBS Studios spokesperson
A spokesperson for CBS Studios
“Lowe was never subjected to race or sex harassment as he claims, and as this case progresses, Defendants are confident that Plaintiff’s malicious and unsupported attacks will be publicly exposed for what they are: retaliation by a desperate man who was not renewed as a writer because his performance deficiencies detrimentally impacted CBS’ ability to convey the messages it desired.”
deadline.com
“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.”
deadline.com
Sources
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