Timothy Busfield has been removed from his role in the upcoming romantic comedy You Deserve Each Other, starring Penn Badgley and Meghann Fahy, following his recent arrest on child sex abuse charges. The decision to edit Busfield, 68, out of the film comes in the wake of serious legal issues, including allegations of inappropriate behavior toward a minor.
Multiple outlets confirmed that the production team is making adjustments after Busfield was implicated in a case involving two counts of criminal sexual contact with a minor. According to Us Weekly, an arrest warrant was issued for Busfield earlier this month, detailing accusations stemming from his time as a director on the now-cancelled series The Cleaning Lady. The allegations involve inappropriate conduct toward a seven-year-old child actor who worked on the show.
Details of the Allegations
Legal documents reveal that the child actor expressed fear of Busfield during the production, stating he felt “very afraid” and relieved when not on set with him. The young actor allegedly refrained from reporting the incidents due to Busfield’s position as director and his fear of repercussions.
The investigation, conducted by the Albuquerque Police Department, included an interview with Busfield in November 2025, where he denied any physical contact with the child or his twin brother, who also worked on the series. He described the filming environment as playful and claimed that any interaction with the children occurred in front of their parents, insisting there would be “never be a weird moment about it.”
“I don’t really remember picking those boys up,” Busfield stated in his interview with officials. “If it happened, I don’t remember overtly tickling the boys ever, but it wouldn’t be uncommon for me.”
Legal Proceedings and Response
Busfield surrendered to authorities and has consistently maintained his innocence. In a video shared with TMZ earlier this month, he asserted, “I’m going to confront these lies. They’re horrible. They’re all lies, and I did not do anything to those little boys.” He expressed confidence in his legal team and his belief that he would be exonerated.
The actor appeared in a New Mexico court on January 14, 2025, dressed in an orange jumpsuit. He did not enter a plea during this initial court appearance. If convicted, Busfield could face up to 15 years in prison, according to the Bernalillo County District Attorney’s Office.
This series of events has not only impacted Busfield’s career but has also drawn attention to the critical issue of child safety in the entertainment industry. If you or someone you know is experiencing child abuse, it is important to reach out for help. The Child Help Hotline can be contacted at 1-800-422-4453 for support and guidance.
