Emmy-winning actor Timothy Busfield is facing serious charges related to child sex abuse. In a recent court appearance, he has been ordered to remain in custody without bond. The situation escalated when prosecutors revealed a new allegation involving a separate incident with a 16-year-old girl in California.
Busfield has been charged with two counts of criminal sexual contact of a minor and one count of child sex abuse. Two boys told authorities that he inappropriately touched them on the set of the Fox series “The Cleaning Lady.” The complaints detail incidents where one boy was allegedly touched on his private areas multiple times from late 2022 to early 2024.
In addition to these allegations, a newly surfaced report claims that Busfield kissed a teenage girl and touched her inappropriately years ago. Prosecutors noted that he reportedly asked the girl’s family to delay reporting this incident if he agreed to get therapy.
Upon his arrest, Busfield claimed that the accusations might be a form of revenge from the boys’ mother after her children were not invited back for the show’s final season. However, an independent investigation conducted by Warner Bros. did not find evidence to support these claims. Christina McGovern, who led the investigation, mentioned no corroborating evidence was found.
Busfield is well-known for his roles in popular TV series like “The West Wing” and “Thirtysomething,” the latter of which earned him an Emmy award. He is married to actress Melissa Gilbert, who has stated she supports her husband amidst these allegations.
Recent research reveals that allegations of sexual abuse in the entertainment industry are rising, highlighting a growing need for accountability and reform. As this case unfolds, it adds to a troubling narrative about the safety and well-being of minors in the industry.
For more details on child protection resources, you can visit Child Welfare Information Gateway.
