Veteran American actor and director Timothy Busfield now faces charges in New Mexico over alleged sexual abuse involving minors during The Cleaning Lady. Warner Bros Television responded to the charges and said it will cooperate fully with law enforcement authorities.
An arrest warrant approved by the Albuquerque District Attorney lists two counts of criminal sexual contact with a minor. The warrant also includes one count of child abuse against the 68-year-old actor and director. The allegations involve two brothers who appeared on the Fox series, which filmed in Albuquerque and later ended. One of the children was 10 years old at the time of the alleged incidents, according to investigators.
Authorities allege Busfield engaged in inappropriate physical contact with one child on multiple occasions during filming. Investigators say he presented the conduct as playful behaviour on set. The warrant further alleges Busfield and his family cultivated closeness with the children and their parents outside filming. Law enforcement describes the behaviour as consistent with grooming practices. Officials say the case advanced after one child disclosed the alleged abuse to a counsellor in September 2025.
A later forensic interview reportedly led to additional disclosures from the children. The warrant states the child now suffers anxiety and post-traumatic stress symptoms linked to the alleged incidents.
Busfield is best known for roles in ‘Thirtysomething’ and ‘The West Wing’. He previously faced sexual misconduct allegations in the 1990s and early 2010s, without resulting criminal charges. New Mexico law allows severe prison sentences for sex crimes involving minors, especially children under 13. Authorities have not confirmed whether police have arrested or booked Busfield following the warrant.
Warner Bros Television earlier conducted an internal investigation after an anonymous complaint reached SAG-AFTRA in early 2025. An external review commissioned by the studio found no corroborating evidence at that time, sources said.
In a statement, Warner Bros Television said it prioritises safety and takes all misconduct allegations seriously. The studio confirmed it remains aware of the charges and will continue cooperating with law enforcement.
Investigators contacted several The Cleaning Lady cast and crew members during the inquiry. The lead actor and producer Élodie Yung declined to participate in an interview, according to the warrant.
