At a Glance
- Timothy Busfield, 68, faces two counts of criminal sexual contact of a minor and one count of child abuse
- Albuquerque police say the alleged abuse occurred on the set of FOX’s The Cleaning Lady, where Busfield directed
- Victims were 11-year-old twin actors who claim abuse began when they were 7
- Why it matters: The case spotlights new allegations of on-set child exploitation and raises questions about studio oversight
An arrest warrant has been issued for Timothy Busfield after twin child actors accused the veteran director of repeated sexual abuse during filming of the FOX drama The Cleaning Lady.
The Allegations
According to the warrant obtained by News Of Los Angeles on January 9, the twins allege Busfield groomed and molested them from November 2022 through spring 2024. Parents told investigators Busfield urged the boys to call him “Uncle Tim,” bought them Christmas gifts, and discouraged on-set monitoring tools like iPads.
Key timeline:
- Nov 1, 2024 – UNMH doctor alerts police after hospital visit
- Oct 3, 2025 – mother files formal police report
- Sept 2025 – therapist notes PTSD diagnosis linked to “inappropriate touching”
Studio Response
FOX representatives did not respond to requests for comment. Warner Bros. opened an outside investigation; results included a claim that Busfield kissed a minor on the face in a hair-and-makeup trailer in December 2024.
Investigators say Busfield admitted he likely picked up or tickled the boys to maintain a “playful environment,” but denied any sexual intent. He characterized the parents as angry after their sons were replaced by a younger actor.
Key Takeaways
- Warrant lists two counts of criminal sexual contact of a minor plus child abuse
- Victims’ therapist diagnosed PTSD and anxiety tied to alleged abuse
- Warner Bros. internal probe cited additional on-set misconduct claim
- Busfield’s prior sexual-assault allegation dates back to 1994
If convicted, Busfield could face significant prison time and further scrutiny of Hollywood’s child-safety protocols.
