Authorities in New Mexico have issued an arrest warrant for actor and director Timothy Busfield, known for his Emmy-winning work. He faces serious charges of child sex abuse based on a complaint filed by an investigator from the Albuquerque Police Department.
According to the complaint, a child reported that Busfield touched him inappropriately on the set of the TV series “The Cleaning Lady.” The child said the incidents started when he was about seven and continued into his eighth year. Reports indicate that these events occurred between November 2022 and spring 2024. The child’s mother alerted Child Protective Services after noticing changes in her son, who has since been diagnosed with PTSD and anxiety.
The investigation began in November 2024 after medical professionals noted concerning signs during a hospital visit. The child expressed fears about reporting the incidents, worrying that Busfield would react negatively due to his position as director.
“The Cleaning Lady,” which aired for four seasons on Fox, featured a dramatic storyline centered on a Cambodian doctor who becomes entangled with organized crime. Despite the serious allegations, Warner Bros., the show’s producer, reportedly conducted its investigation but said it could not confirm the claims.
Timothy Busfield is recognized for his roles in popular shows like “The West Wing” and “Thirtysomething,” where he won an Emmy for outstanding supporting actor. He is married to fellow actor Melissa Gilbert, though there has been no immediate response from her representatives concerning the allegations.
This case raises significant questions about the safety of younger actors in the entertainment industry, an area that has seen increased scrutiny in recent years. In light of high-profile cases of abuse in Hollywood, many are calling for better protections for child actors. According to a recent survey by the Screen Actors Guild, nearly 70% of parents of child actors feel that more regulations are necessary to ensure their children’s safety on set.
The outcome of this case will likely have implications not just for Busfield but also for industry practices surrounding child actors and the responsibility of production companies to create secure environments during filming.
Source link
