Actor and director Timothy Busfield is facing two counts of sexual abuse involving a minor in New Mexico, following the issuance of an arrest warrant on Friday, reports Baltimore Chronicle via enguide.pl. The investigation centers on twin boys who appeared as actors on the Fox television series “The Cleaning Lady” in 2022, a production on which Busfield served as a director. According to authorities, one of the twins informed investigators last autumn that Busfield had inappropriately touched him when he was seven and again at eight while on the series’ set. The affidavit from the Albuquerque Police Department indicates the boy described feeling “very afraid of Tim and was relieved when he was off set.”
Busfield, known for roles in “The West Wing,” “Field of Dreams,” and “Thirtysomething,” directed six episodes of “The Cleaning Lady,” which aired from 2022 to 2025. The police affidavit notes that during a phone interview with investigators in November, Busfield was asked whether he had any physical contact with the boys, including picking them up and tickling them. Busfield responded that such contact was “highly likely” to have occurred. He later stated that the presence of the boys’ parents would make such actions not “weird” and admitted he did not recall specific instances, saying, “I don’t remember those boys… I don’t actually, I don’t remember it, if it happened. I don’t remember overtly tickling the boys ever, but it wouldn’t be uncommon for me.”
The 2nd Judicial District Attorney’s office declined to comment on the matter. Warner Bros. confirmed in a statement on Friday that the studio is fully cooperating with authorities, emphasizing that “the health and safety of our cast and crew is always our top priority, especially the safety of minors on our productions. We take all allegations of misconduct very seriously and have systems in place to promptly and thoroughly investigate, and when needed, take appropriate action. We are aware of the current charges against Mr. Busfield and have been and will continue to cooperate with law enforcement.”
The affidavit further details that Warner Bros. conducted an internal investigation in 2025 following an anonymous complaint received by SAG-AFTRA regarding a separate incident in December 2024. The allegation involved Busfield kissing one of the boys on the face in the hair and makeup trailer and engaging in tickling and head caressing. Warner Bros. hired an external investigator who could not substantiate the claims.
Albuquerque Police Detective Marvin Brown noted in the affidavit that Warner Bros. “made it very difficult to obtain information for this case,” requiring a search warrant to access the investigative report, which was delayed for three months. The affidavit also states that when the detective attempted to speak with other child actors to ensure their safety, Warner Bros. instructed that communication must go through the studio’s legal counsel.
The affidavit describes how Busfield became closer to the boys after joining the series, reportedly encouraging them to call him “Uncle Tim.” Initial discussions with the boys and their parents occurred in 2024 after a report from their physician; at that time, the children did not disclose sexual contact, and authorities chose not to pursue charges. In September 2025, however, one of the boys reported to a counselor and pediatrician that Busfield had touched his penis and bottom, while the twin stated he disliked being touched but remained silent out of fear of getting in trouble.
During the police interview, Busfield mentioned hearing from lead actress Elodie Yung that the boys’ mother “wanted revenge” because her sons were not brought back for the series’ final season. Yung declined to participate in the investigation, citing her desire not to be involved, according to the affidavit.
The arrest warrant for Busfield was signed by a judge on Friday afternoon. His legal representatives have not provided any comment regarding the charges.
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