Timothy Busfield, the actor and director, has been in the spotlight for troubling reasons. A warrant for his arrest was issued in New Mexico four days ago due to allegations of child sexual abuse. U.S. marshals are now involved in locating him.
The Albuquerque Police Department is working with these federal agents to apprehend Busfield. While there isn’t a clear timeline for his arrest, the case has raised significant concern within the entertainment industry.
Busfield faces serious charges: two counts of criminal sexual contact with a minor and one of child abuse. These accusations come from two twin boys, aged 11, who claim Busfield behaved inappropriately while they were on the set of “The Cleaning Lady,” a show he directed and starred in. They allege that he disguised inappropriate touching as playful interactions.
One of the boys, referred to as SL, reportedly experienced severe emotional distress as a result of this. He was diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder, suffering from nightmares about the alleged incidents. The allegations first came to light in November 2024 when a call from a doctor sparked an investigation. The boys’ mother reported the incidents to child protective services, claiming the abuse happened over a two-year period.
Busfield shared his account with police, suggesting that his interactions with the boys were misinterpreted. He mentioned that the lead actress of “The Cleaning Lady,” Elodie Yung, had claimed the boys’ mother wanted revenge for bringing them back to the show. He denied any intent to harm but did admit that playful behavior was common on set.
Reports reveal that this isn’t the first time Busfield has faced similar allegations. In 1994, he was accused of providing alcohol to a underage girl and assaulting her. He settled that case privately. A similar incident occurred in 2012, where another woman alleged inappropriate behavior in a movie theater, but that case was not pursued.
“The Cleaning Lady” aired for four seasons before concluding in 2025. The show followed a Cambodian doctor who becomes involved in organized crime as she seeks treatment for her son. Despite these serious claims, Warner Bros. investigated internally and reportedly found no evidence to support the allegations.
Busfield is best known for roles in acclaimed series like “The West Wing” and “Thirtysomething,” where he won an Emmy award. He is married to actress Melissa Gilbert, who was present during his police statement via speakerphone.
In light of these recent events, NBC decided to pull an episode of “Law & Order: SVU” featuring Busfield from its schedule.
As this situation unfolds, it reflects broader concerns about accountability within the entertainment industry regarding the protection of minors. Recent statistics show a continued rise in reports of child abuse, emphasizing the importance of vigilance and support systems for victims.
If you or someone you know is affected by abuse, there are resources available. In the U.S., the Childhelp abuse hotline provides assistance at 800-422-4453.
This case serves as a reminder of the critical conversations we must continue to have about safety and support for vulnerable individuals.
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