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CBS Files Motion to Dismiss Former ‘Matlock’ Writer’s Lawsuit Alleging Racist, Sexist Comments: ‘We Stand Firmly Behind Our Producers’ (EXCLUSIVE)
Confirmed
In Short: CBS Studios has secured a victory in its legal battle against former 'Matlock' writer John Lowe, with a California appeals court rejecting Jay-Z's attempt to revive his extortion and defamation lawsuit against the Texas lawyer who filed the initial complaint.
In a 65-page ruling, Judge Mark Epstein dismissed Carter's lawsuit in full, acknowledging that he was 'not wholly satisfied' with the outcome. The ruling also found that Lowe was protected by the litigation privilege when he sent a demand letter to Carter before naming the 'Empire State of Mind' rapper as a defendant.
CBS Studios and the producers of 'Matlock' stand firm behind their team, with a spokesperson stating, 'We take allegations of discrimination and harassment very seriously. Today, with the filing of our motion to strike, we took our first step toward challenging the baseless complaint filed by former Matlock writer John Lowe.
Lowe had accused showrunner Jennie Snyder Urman and executive producers Nicki Renna and Jeffrey Lieber of using 'stereotyped comments' against him and other Black cast and crew members, and cited an alleged instance where he claims he was fired after reporting a racial slur. CBS Studios and the producers deny any wrongdoing, citing anti-SLAPP laws.
What's confirmed
- In a 65-page ruling, Judge Mark Epstein dismissed Carter's lawsuit in full, acknowledging that he was 'not wholly satisfied' with the outcome. The ruling also found that Lowe was protected by the litigation privilege when he sent a demand letter to Carter before naming the 'Empire State of Mind' rapper as a defendant.
- CBS Studios and the producers of 'Matlock' stand firm behind their team, with a spokesperson stating, 'We take allegations of discrimination and harassment very seriously. Today, with the filing of our motion to strike, we took our first step toward challenging the baseless complaint filed by former Matlock writer John Lowe.
- Lowe had accused showrunner Jennie Snyder Urman and executive producers Nicki Renna and Jeffrey Lieber of using 'stereotyped comments' against him and other Black cast and crew members, and cited an alleged instance where he claims he was fired after reporting a racial slur. CBS Studios and the producers deny any wrongdoing, citing anti-SLAPP laws.
What's still developing
- Carter’s camp was allowed to submit it, and the judge reviewed it before issuing his final dismissal ruling.
- A California appeals court has rejected Jay-Z ‘s attempt to revive his extortion and defamation lawsuit against the Texas lawyer who filed the stunning, since-dismissed complaint accusing the music mogul of raping a 13-year-old girl.
- Los Angeles County Judge Mark Epstein held multiple hearings on Buzbee’s motion to dismiss the lawsuit, initially signaling he would allow some of Carter’s defamation claims to proceed.
- “Without a present intent to bring a lawsuit, the litigation privilege will fail.” Rolling Stone previously obtained a portion of the alleged doorstep discussion with the Jane Doe.
- “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,” Lowe’s attorney Ron Zambrano said at the time.
- “As stated in the motion and following a thorough investigation, we are confident that Lowe’s accusations are demonstrably inaccurate and maliciously fabricated, and will not allow them to go unchallenged.” “False allegations are deeply damaging, both to those wrongly accused, and to anyone with a serious and legitimate claim of discrimination,” they added.
- Previously, he had worked as a writer on “Virgin River” and in the casting departments for “Survivor,” “Project Runway” and spinoff “Under the Gunn.” CBS Studios and the producers deny any wrongdoing, via anti-SLAPP laws.
- “Matlock” is set to return midseason for Season 3 on CBS, with the first two seasons available to stream on Paramount+.