Emmy Winner Timothy Busfield Charged with Child Sexual Abuse on TV Set

Breaking Legal Development Shakes Hollywood

Authorities in New Mexico issued an arrest warrant Friday for director and Emmy Award-winning actor Timothy Busfield to face a child sex abuse charge. The case has drawn significant attention as it involves allegations tied to a major television production and involves a respected figure known for his work in acclaimed series and films.

Emmy Award-winning actor and director Timothy Busfield has been charged with an open count of child abuse and two counts of criminal sexual contact of a minor tied to alleged incidents on an Albuquerque set of the drama series The Cleaning Lady. The charges represent serious allegations that have prompted responses from both law enforcement and the entertainment industry.

Details of the Allegations

The investigation involves twin boys who were actors on the TV series “The Cleaning Lady” in 2022, on which Busfield was director. One of the boys told an investigator last fall that Busfield touched his “private areas” when he was seven years old, and again when he was eight, while they were on set. The child’s mother reported to Child Protective Services that the abuse occurred between November 2022 and spring 2024, the complaint said.

The investigation began in November 2024, when the investigator responded to a call from a doctor at the University of New Mexico Hospital. However, disclosure came later. In September 2025, one of the children reported to his counselor and later to his pediatrician that Busfield had “touched him on his penis and bottom.”

Previous Investigations and Industry Response

According to the affidavit, Warner Bros. conducted an investigation in 2025 after SAG-AFTRA received an anonymous complaint about a separate incident in December 2024. Warner Bros. contracted with an outside investigator who was not able to substantiate that claim.

Busfield is known for appearances in “The West Wing,” “Field of Dreams” and “Thirtysomething,” the latter of which won him an Emmy for outstanding supporting actor in a drama series in 1991. Court documents show an arrest warrant has been issued for actor Timothy Busfield, the husband of ‘Little House on the Prairie’ star Melissa Gilbert.

Significance and Broader Implications

This case highlights ongoing concerns about child safety on entertainment production sets and the responsibilities of studios to protect minor actors. The allegations have prompted discussions about industry safeguards and accountability measures. As the legal process unfolds, the case will likely influence conversations about child protection protocols in film and television production environments.