Timothy Busfield has been removed from the upcoming romantic comedy *You Deserve Each Other*, starring Penn Badgley and Meghann Fahy, following his arrest on charges related to child sex abuse. The decision to edit Busfield, aged 68, out of the film was confirmed by several media outlets in light of his ongoing legal troubles.
The arrest warrant, issued earlier this month, includes two counts of criminal sexual contact with a minor and child abuse. According to documents obtained by *Us Weekly*, Busfield is accused of inappropriate behavior towards a child actor while directing episodes of Fox’s *The Cleaning Lady*. The child, who was just 7 years old at the time, reportedly expressed fear of Busfield, stating he felt relieved when he was not on set.
Legal filings reveal that the child was too intimidated to report Busfield’s behavior, fearing repercussions due to his position as director. The documents indicate that the young actor described the environment as frightening, leading to significant emotional distress.
Details of the Allegations
The Albuquerque Police Department initiated an investigation into these allegations, speaking with Busfield in November 2025. During the questioning, he denied any physical contact with the child or his twin brother, who also acted on *The Cleaning Lady*. He characterized the atmosphere as playful and claimed that any physical interactions would have occurred in front of their parents, stating, “There would never be a weird moment about it.”
In a video shared with *TMZ*, Busfield adamantly denied the accusations, describing them as “horrible lies.” He expressed confidence in his eventual exoneration, asserting, “I’m going to confront these lies… I know I am because this is all so wrong and all lies.”
Busfield made an appearance in a New Mexico court on January 14, 2025, wearing an orange jumpsuit but did not enter a plea. According to the Bernalillo County District Attorney’s Office, if convicted, he could face a sentence of up to 15 years in prison, a significant penalty that underscores the severity of the charges.
Impact on Busfield’s Career
The fallout from this incident has already begun to affect Busfield’s career. In addition to his removal from *You Deserve Each Other*, NBC has also decided to shelve an episode of *Law & Order: SVU*, in which he had a guest role as a judge. The swift actions taken by production companies reflect the serious nature of the allegations and the commitment to maintaining a safe environment on set.
As the case unfolds, the entertainment industry will be watching closely. The implications of such allegations can be far-reaching, affecting both personal and professional lives. The situation serves as a stark reminder of the importance of safeguarding vulnerable individuals in creative environments.
For those who may be affected by similar issues, resources are available. The Child Help Hotline can be reached at 1-800-422-4453 for anyone experiencing child abuse or needing support.
