UPDATE: West Wing star Timothy Busfield faces serious legal trouble after being charged with child sex abuse crimes. The 68-year-old actor appeared in court wearing an orange jumpsuit, where he was formally charged with two counts of criminal sexual contact of a minor and one count of child abuse.
Authorities report that Busfield is accused of engaging in unlawful sexual conduct with 11-year-old twin boys. The allegations state that one victim claims the abuse began when he was just 7 years old. This shocking news has sent ripples through the entertainment community and beyond, raising serious concerns about the safety of minors in showbiz.
The court appearance occurred earlier today, with a pretrial detention hearing scheduled within the next five business days. A preliminary hearing is set for January 29, 2024. Following a warrant issued on January 4, Busfield turned himself in to authorities in Albuquerque, New Mexico on January 13, following days of uncertainty about his whereabouts.
In a video obtained by TMZ, Busfield vehemently denied the allegations, labeling them as “lies.” He stated, “I’m gonna confront these lies. They’re horrible,” as he expressed determination to fight the charges.
Authorities allege that the grooming occurred on the set of the show The Cleaning Lady, where Busfield served as a director. According to the warrant, one boy reported inappropriate touching on three occasions when he was seven, escalating to five or six instances when he turned eight. This child reportedly refrained from speaking out due to fears that Busfield, whom he called “Uncle Tim,” would retaliate.
A second victim has also come forward, claiming Busfield touched him inappropriately over a span of two years while working on the show, which concluded its run in 2025. The alleged incidents occurred between November 2022 and spring 2024.
With an extensive career boasting over 700 credits as an actor, director, and producer, Busfield is perhaps best known for his role as Danny Concannon on The West Wing. He won an Emmy in 1991 for his performance on Thirtysomething and has been a prominent figure in the industry for decades.
As this case unfolds, the implications for Busfield’s career and the broader entertainment industry are profound. The community watches closely as more details emerge and as the legal proceedings begin.
Stay tuned for further updates on this developing story, as the courtroom battles are sure to captivate and alarm audiences worldwide.
