In brief
Timothy Busfield, an acclaimed director and actor, has turned himself in to police in Albuquerque, New Mexico, facing multiple charges of child sex abuse involving two young boys. The allegations indicate inappropriate contact occurred while he was directing the series 'The Cleaning Lady.' Busfield denied the allegations, claiming it was a misunderstanding related to children’s playful behavior on set. Investigations initiated by Child Protective Services are ongoing.
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. — Timothy Busfield, an Emmy Award-winning actor and director, has turned himself into authorities to face child sex abuse charges in New Mexico. This follows the issuance of an arrest warrant on January 9 for two counts of criminal sexual contact with a minor and one count of child abuse.
The charges stem from allegations that Busfield inappropriately touched a young boy while directing the TV series 'The Cleaning Lady.' According to a criminal complaint, the boy reported being touched inappropriately on multiple occasions, starting at the age of 7. The child's twin brother also reported similar encounters.
The boys' mother alerted Child Protective Services to the abuse that reportedly occurred between November 2022 and spring 2024, prompting an investigation that revealed one of the children suffers from PTSD and anxiety linked to the incidents.
Busfield, who previously denied the allegations when interviewed by authorities, speculated that the claims were motivated by resentment from the children's mother over their replacement in the series. He claimed that any physical interactions on set were part of a playful environment.
His attorney and agent have not yet provided comments, while Warner Bros., the producer of 'The Cleaning Lady,' reportedly conducted their own investigation but could not corroborate the allegations. Busfield, known for roles in 'The West Wing' and 'Thirtysomething,' is also married to actress Melissa Gilbert.
