Overview
- CBS filed the motion in Los Angeles Superior Court on Sept. 11, 2026, asking the judge to dismiss John Lowe’s June lawsuit under California’s anti‑SLAPP law.
- The studio says the non‑renewal was a creative staffing decision protected by the First Amendment and that Lowe’s suit seeks to chill that protected conduct.
- CBS and three named producers submitted declarations denying Lowe’s specific accusations, including the alleged Juneteenth slur and claims about racially or sexually explicit remarks.
- The motion spotlights HR files and documented performance critiques that CBS says explain why Lowe was not re‑engaged, and it notes timing discrepancies in Lowe’s filings.
- Lowe’s attorney has said they will oppose the motion, leaving the dispute to be decided next in the Los Angeles courts and posing ongoing reputational and production risks for Matlock.