UPDATE: An independent investigation commissioned by Warner Bros. found no evidence supporting claims of inappropriate conduct against Timothy Busfield, according to attorney Christina McGovern. She stated that after interviewing multiple witnesses and reviewing all available information, there was no corroboration that Busfield engaged in misconduct or was ever alone with the minors on set.
Actor and director Timothy Busfield surrendered to law enforcement in New Mexico after an arrest warrant was issued in connection with child abuse and criminal sexual contact charges involving minors. Busfield strongly denies the allegations and says he intends to fight them.
Busfield appeared at his attorney’s office in Albuquerque shortly before turning himself in. Speaking to TMZ prior to his surrender, he said he plans to confront what he described as false claims, insisting he did not harm the children involved.
The charges relate to allegations made by the parents of two child actors who appeared on The Cleaning Lady, which Busfield directed in 2022 while filming in New Mexico. Prosecutors allege the children were 7 and 8 years old at the time. The alleged incidents were reported to Albuquerque police two years later, triggering a criminal investigation.
Busfield’s legal team has pushed back strongly against the accusations. His civil attorney has suggested the claims may be retaliatory, citing statements in the criminal complaint indicating a dispute after the children were not included in the show’s final season.
According to Busfield’s representatives, Warner Bros. initiated an independent investigation conducted by an outside law firm. The review reportedly included interviews with approximately a dozen individuals and concluded there was no evidence supporting the allegations.
Following the issuance of the arrest warrant, the US Marshals Service assisted New Mexico authorities in locating Busfield. NBC has since shelved an upcoming episode of Law & Order: SVU that featured the actor.
Busfield is best known for his roles in The West Wing, Thirtysomething, Field of Dreams, and Revenge of the Nerds.
Source: TMZ