Actor Timothy Busfield, known for his role in The West Wing, is facing serious new allegations of child abuse, coinciding with the revelation of a past legal order requiring him to pay a substantial sum over a separate sexual assault claim.
New Mexico Arrest Warrant and Allegations
An arrest warrant was issued for Busfield this week in Bernalillo County, New Mexico. He is charged with two counts of criminal sexual contact of a minor and one count of child abuse. The allegations stem from his time as a director on the TV show The Cleaning Lady between 2022 and 2024.
According to an affidavit, an investigation began in November 2024 after hospital staff reported concerns about children potentially being groomed on the set. The parents of 11-year-old twin boys who worked on the show came forward. One boy alleged he was targeted from the age of seven.
The criminal complaint states Busfield allegedly grew closer to the boys, invited their family to off-set gatherings, and had his wife, actress Melissa Gilbert, buy them Christmas gifts. He reportedly told the children to call him 'Uncle Tim' and would tickle them despite their discomfort. One child later disclosed to a therapist that Busfield touched his genitalia and bottom in a bedroom on set.
During a police interview on November 3, 2025, which Gilbert listened to on speakerphone, Busfield denied any wrongdoing. He reportedly brushed off the claims as a fabricated revenge plot by parents upset their sons were replaced on the show.
Uncovered Past: The 1996 Legal Battle
During the recent investigation, police uncovered a previous legal case from 1996. Busfield had sued the Minneapolis law firm Messerli & Kramer for defamation, claiming they fabricated a story that he sexually assaulted a 17-year-old girl on the set of the 1993 film Little Big League, which he directed.
US District Judge James Ideman rejected Busfield's claim, ruling the firm did not fabricate its allegations. The judge ordered Busfield to repay the firm's $150,000 in legal fees incurred while defending itself. Busfield appealed the decision, and the parties later settled the case. It was also reported that Busfield separately settled an underlying lawsuit with the girl for an undisclosed sum.
Further Historical Claim and Fallout
The arrest warrant also references a separate incident from around 2012. A 28-year-old woman accused Busfield of battery in an LA movie theatre, alleging he touched her genitals. No lawsuit was filed, and prosecutors did not bring charges due to 'slim evidence'. Busfield claimed that encounter was consensual.
Following the recent police interview, Warner Bros. Television, the studio behind The Cleaning Lady, confirmed it is investigating the complaint. A spokesperson stated the safety of minors on productions is their top priority and that they are cooperating with law enforcement.
At least one of the child actors in the New Mexico case has been diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder. A warrant remains active for Busfield's arrest, though no records indicate he has been taken into custody.
Busfield has been married to Little House on the Prairie star Melissa Gilbert since 2013. The couple celebrated their 12th anniversary in April 2025, with Gilbert calling their marriage 'perfect' in a social media post. She last shared a picture with Busfield in December 2025.
