Amazon MGM Cuts Actor From Film After Child Abuse Charges
A veteran television actor faces serious criminal charges involving minors, prompting major studios to distance themselves from upcoming projects and pull scheduled content.
Timothy Busfield will no longer appear in Amazon MGM's upcoming romantic comedy after the studio decided to remove him entirely from the finished film. The 68-year-old actor's scenes are being cut from "You Deserve Each Other," which stars Penn Badgley, Meghann Fahy and Kyle MacLachlan.
The film was scheduled for release sometime in 2026. Studio executives made the decision following criminal charges filed against Busfield in New Mexico.
Television Networks React Swiftly
NBC pulled a Law & Order: Special Victims Unit episode featuring Busfield just days before its planned January 22nd broadcast. The network removed the episode from its schedule without announcing a replacement air date.
Busfield surrendered to Albuquerque police after several days as a fugitive. Authorities had issued an arrest warrant on January 9th, triggering a multi-day search.
Serious Criminal Allegations Surface
The charges stem from alleged incidents on the set of Fox's "The Cleaning Lady," where Busfield worked as a director. He faces two counts of criminal sexual contact involving a minor plus one count of child abuse.
Hospital staff at the University of New Mexico first contacted police in November 2024. They reported concerns about potential grooming activities happening during the show's production.
Prosecutors allege Busfield engaged in inappropriate conduct with two boys, both now 11 years old. The children reportedly met the actor through their involvement with the television series.
Actor Maintains Innocence
Busfield has denied all accusations against him. In a video statement, he described the charges as completely false.
"I got the call Friday night, I had to get a lawyer. Saturday I got in the car, drove 2,000 miles to Albuquerque. I'm gonna confront these lies. They're horrible," Busfield said. "They're all lies and I did not do anything to those little boys and I'm gonna fight it. I'm gonna fight it with a great team, and I'm gonna be exonerated, I know I am, because this is all so wrong and all lies."
The West Wing veteran now faces a legal battle that could determine his future in the entertainment industry. His arrest has already cost him roles in major studio productions.