Matlock writer sues CBS over racist, sexual remarks

John Lowe, a former Matlock writer, filed a lawsuit against CBS Television Studios and showrunner Jennie Snyder Urman, alleging racially stereotyped and sexual comments that created a hostile work environment, and saying he was terminated two weeks after repor

When the workplace complaints stopped being private and became paperwork, John Lowe says the timing told him everything. Two weeks after he reported an alleged incident in which showrunner Jennie Snyder Urman referred to Juneteenth as “Coonteenth,” Lowe says he lost his job.

Lowe. who worked on “Matlock” from October 2023 to July 2025. filed a lawsuit on Wednesday against CBS Television Studios. Urman. and executive producers Nicki Renna and Jeffrey Lieber. In the complaint. he alleges “racially stereotyped comments about his body and genitalia” were made toward him and other Black cast and crew members. creating what he calls a “hostile work environment.”.

He also describes multiple sexual and racially charged comments. Among the incidents he points to is one in which Urman brought her dog into the writers’ room. Lowe alleges she did so “citing that her children ‘didn’t like the aesthetic’ — referring to the dog’s black color.” He claims he was coerced into taking the dog for nearly a year. while other staff were present. and says the move was “racially motivated and designed to single him out for humiliation based on his race. not for any creative or production reason.”.

CBS’s response is firm. In a statement, CBS Studios said it investigated the allegations and found they were not substantiated. The company spokesperson said: “We are committed to maintaining a safe and respectful environment for everyone and take all workplace complaints seriously. In this instance, a thorough investigation was completed, and we were unable to find support for his allegations. We look forward to vigorously defending this lawsuit.”.

The lawsuit also assigns responsibility beyond Urman. Lowe alleges executive producer Nicki Renna made remarks about Black cast member Eme Ikwuakor, saying she “can barely read.” He further alleges Renna called Lowe late at night and told him she “was in bed wearing only her underwear.”

Lowe’s attorney, Ron Zambrano, said in a statement: “There is no excuse for this blatant racism and harassment. CBS should be ashamed for allowing it, and the Matlock showrunner and producers should be held accountable. Mr. Lowe was subjected to degrading and unlawful conduct. He deserved to be treated with dignity and respect. as everyone should expect in the workplace. not subjected to these outrageous and illegal racial slurs and sexual harassment without any connection to his work on the show.”.

The case arrives amid other fallout tied to CBS. The lawsuit comes three months after actor David Del Rio filed an arbitration claim against CBS Studios over his firing last fall. Del Rio, a series regular, was written off the show after an allegation of sexual assault against the actor.

Lowe’s filing places a new focus on how workplace behavior is described behind the scenes at “Matlock”—and on what happens when a complaint. as he tells it. is followed quickly by retaliation. CBS says it completed a thorough investigation and found no support for Lowe’s allegations. setting up a legal fight over what was said. what was done. and why the consequences followed so closely behind his report.

Matlock CBS Television Studios Jennie Snyder Urman John Lowe lawsuit racist comments sexual harassment allegations hostile work environment Nicki Renna Jeffrey Lieber Juneteenth