In a startling development in the ongoing legal case against actor Timothy Busfield, newly released audio recordings show that two child actors initially told police that he never touched their private areas. The audio, shared by Busfield's attorneys and first reported by TMZ, captures the boys' statements during an interview with officers in November 2024.
Initial Police Interview Details
The twin boys, identified only as VL and SL in court documents, were questioned by an officer about inappropriate touching. When asked if they understood that no one should touch their private areas, one boy responded, 'Yeah, but he doesn't touch those parts.' The second boy added, 'No, he's never touched me... never.' This initial denial contrasts sharply with later allegations that emerged in October 2025.
Later Allegations and Therapist Report
According to court affidavits, the children's mother reported to Child Protective Services that one of her sons told a therapist that Busfield had touched his 'genitalia' and 'bottom' while in a bedroom on the set of the TV show The Cleaning Lady. This disclosure came over a year after the initial police interview, raising questions about the timeline and consistency of the accusations.
Legal Proceedings and Defense Claims
Busfield's attorneys submitted the audio to a New Mexico court on Monday, arguing that it provides proof of an 'unequivocal denial' to the allegations. The actor has pleaded not guilty to two counts of criminal sexual contact with a minor and one count of child abuse. Prosecutors, however, have classified the audio as failing to 'disclose' the alleged abuse, suggesting it does not exonerate him.
Additional Allegations Involving a Third Victim
In a separate filing in New Mexico, Busfield faces accusations of sexually assaulting a 16-year-old girl during an audition for one of his shows. The alleged incident reportedly occurred 'several years ago' at the B Street Theatre in Sacramento, California, which Busfield founded. Court motions state that the actor allegedly kissed the girl and touched her privates, with claims that he later begged the family not to report the incident to law enforcement in exchange for therapy.
Defense Counterclaims and Career Implications
Busfield's attorneys have presented counterarguments, including testimony from actor Matthew Moore, who allegedly spoke with the girl's father. According to court documents, the father reportedly made comments suggesting he was leveraging his daughter's looks to advance his career, with Moore stating the father said, 'They are going to love it because Tim Busfield is going to present it to them, which I'm certain he will do because he will need to if he thinks he's going to f*** my daughter.'
Impact on Busfield's Career and Personal Life
The allegations have had significant repercussions for Busfield's career. Amazon MGM has decided to edit him out of the upcoming film You Deserve Each Other, using digital technology to remove his scenes without reshoots. Meanwhile, his wife, actress Melissa Gilbert, has expressed deep concern, telling insiders she feels trapped in a 'nightmare' and is worried about his safety while he is held at the Bernalillo County Metropolitan Detention Center.
As the legal battle continues, with a bail hearing scheduled, the case highlights the complexities of abuse allegations in the entertainment industry and the profound personal and professional fallout for those involved.
