Busfield Says Charges Ended Career

Actor Timothy Busfield told a New Mexico grand jury that the child sexual abuse charges against him have effectively ended his career, according to newly released testimony obtained by USA Today. The Emmy-winning actor maintained his innocence throughout nearly two hours of testimony while also expressing concern that the case could affect the career of his wife, actress Melissa Gilbert.

Busfield was indicted in February on four counts of criminal sexual contact of a child stemming from allegations linked to his work as a director and producer on The Cleaning Lady. He has pleaded not guilty and is scheduled to stand trial in May 2027.

What Are the Charges Against Timothy Busfield?

Prosecutors allege Busfield sexually abused two child actors, twin brothers who were between 7 and 8 years old, while they worked on the Fox drama between late 2022 and early 2024. Court records specify that the four criminal charges relate to allegations involving one of the boys.

As with all criminal proceedings, Busfield is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.

The investigation began after hospital staff reported concerns in November 2024 when the children disclosed that Busfield had tickled them, although no sexual contact was reported at that time. Authorities reopened the investigation following additional disclosures made to a therapist in September 2025, ultimately leading to Busfield’s arrest in January 2026 and his subsequent indictment.

Busfield Says Allegations Have Destroyed His Career

During his testimony before a 12-member Albuquerque grand jury, Busfield said the allegations had effectively ended his career in Hollywood.

According to USA Today, Busfield told jurors, ‘I’m canceled,’ adding that he had lost acting and directing opportunities, been digitally replaced in one production, and dropped by his talent agency following the allegations.

He also told the grand jury he feared the case would negatively affect the career of his wife, Little House on the Prairie actress Melissa Gilbert.

Busfield Denies Allegations

Busfield denied engaging in any inappropriate sexual conduct with the children. He acknowledged hugging the boys and tickling them but denied any criminal wrongdoing.

He further claimed the allegations were fabricated by the children’s parents after the twins were allegedly written out of the fourth season of The Cleaning Lady. According to his testimony, he believed the parents were upset over the loss of what he described as significant television earnings for their children.

Those claims represent Busfield’s defense and have not been proven in court.

Who Is Timothy Busfield?

Timothy Busfield is an American actor and director with a career spanning more than four decades in television and film.

He is best known for his Emmy Award-winning role as Elliot Weston in Thirtysomething, and later appeared in popular series including The West Wing, Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip, and Designated Survivor. Film audiences also know him for portraying Arnold Poindexter in the Revenge of the Nerds franchise.

Beyond acting, Busfield has directed episodes of numerous television dramas and comedies and served as a producer on several projects. He married actress Melissa Gilbert in 2013.

What Happens Next?

Busfield remains free after entering a not guilty plea. His trial is currently scheduled to begin in May 2027 in New Mexico.

The Bernalillo County District Attorney’s Office has said it intends to pursue the case through trial, while Busfield continues to deny the allegations against him.

The identities of the two child actors have not been publicly disclosed because they are alleged victims in a child sexual abuse case.