Emmy-winning actor Timothy Busfield turned himself in to authorities in Albuquerque on Tuesday to face charges of child sexual abuse, related to allegations that he inappropriately touched a minor while directing a TV series in New Mexico.
Busfield is charged with two counts of criminal sexual contact of a minor and one count of child abuse. The criminal complaint states the alleged incidents occurred on the set of The Cleaning Lady, filmed in Albuquerque. Busfield, married to actress Melissa Gilbert, has publicly denied the allegations and vowed to fight the charges.
“Tim voluntarily appeared before New Mexico authorities after traveling across the country to confront these false and deeply troubling allegations,” said his attorney, Stanton Stein. “He is innocent and is determined to clear his name.” Busfield was booked and is scheduled for a first court appearance Wednesday.
The complaint alleges that one boy was touched on private areas over his clothing at age 7 and again at age 8. The boy’s twin brother reported being touched but did not specify details. Both children reportedly feared telling anyone due to Busfield’s position as director. Busfield suggested in interviews that the boys’ mother may have sought revenge for her children being replaced on the series.
A Warner Bros.-commissioned private investigation reportedly found no evidence to corroborate the complaint. Authorities say the studio’s investigator was unable to speak with anyone who could support the allegations.
Busfield appeared in a video outside Albuquerque, saying he drove over 2,000 miles to turn himself in. “I’m going to confront these lies. They’re horrible. They’re all lies,” he stated. The U.S. Marshals Service had assisted in locating him, including in New York.
The twins’ mother initially reported the abuse to Child Protective Services, stating it occurred between November 2022 and spring 2024. One child has since been diagnosed with PTSD and anxiety, with a social worker documenting nightmares linked to the alleged incidents.
Busfield’s wife, Melissa Gilbert, has said she will not speak publicly while the legal process unfolds and is focusing on supporting their family. The Cleaning Lady aired on Fox for four seasons, concluding in 2025.
About the author
Sonam Wangchuk Extends Hunger Strike in India
Indian activist Sonam Wangchuk has entered the 26th day of his hunger strike, saying he has lost 11 kilograms but remains determined to continue until the government guarantees the safety of student protesters. Wangchuk, widely known as "Sonam Sir," has become the face of a nationwide movement led by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), which is demanding major education reforms and the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over repeated examination paper leaks. The activist was removed from the protest site at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi on Saturday and admitted to Medanta Hospital in Gurugram, where he remains under medical care while continuing his fast. Hospital officials said Wangchuk is being treated by a multidisciplinary team and remains stable. They added that all medical care is being provided with his informed consent. Protests Continue Despite Police Crackdown Thousands of […]
Thousands Evacuated as France Wildfires Spread
Thousands of people have been forced to leave their homes and holiday camps as fast-moving wildfires continue to spread across the Gironde region in southwestern France. Authorities say around 12,000 people have already been evacuated, while another 8,800 residents and visitors are being relocated as a precaution. According to local fire officials, the flames have destroyed approximately 3,100 hectares of land near the Bay of Arcachon, with strong winds and rising temperatures making firefighting efforts increasingly difficult. Most of those evacuated were visitors staying at campsites on the Lège-Cap-Ferret peninsula, while additional campsites in nearby Claouey were cleared as the fire continued to spread. Officials say the evacuations have been carried out safely, with no injuries reported. Gironde Prefect Sophie Brocas confirmed that nearly 10,000 tourists were among those evacuated overnight. Authorities have also closed several roads and forest areas […]
Minab School Strike Leaves Families in Lasting Grief
The destruction of Shajareh Tayyebeh Primary School in Minab, southern Iran, has become one of the deadliest civilian tragedies of the recent US-Israeli conflict with Iran. Months after the attack, teachers, rescue workers, and grieving families continue to live with the devastating consequences. Amaineh Nademi, a 33-year-old primary school teacher, walks through the ruins of the school where she taught first-grade girls. Parts of the building remain standing, but much of it has collapsed into rubble. She recalls where each classroom, office, and prayer room once stood, saying the school is now a place marked by loss and sorrow. The strike occurred on 28 February during the opening hours of the conflict. According to the Minab prosecutor's office, 156 people were killed, including 120 children, a pregnant woman, and her unborn baby. It remains the deadliest reported single attack on […]
Kokou Ekouagou préside le collectif artistique Fragments Nomades
Après 27 ans de carrière artistique, le plasticien togolais Kokou Ekouagou franchit une nouvelle étape en devenant président du Collectif Fragments Nomades, une association française dédiée à la promotion de l'art contemporain et des échanges culturels. Créé avec l'historienne de l'art et artiste collagiste Lielie Sellier, le collectif ambitionne de renforcer les liens culturels entre le Togo, la France et d'autres pays à travers des expositions, des ateliers et des projets artistiques. Pour Kokou Ekouagou, l'art constitue un véritable outil de dialogue, de compréhension mutuelle et de rapprochement entre les peuples. Reconnu pour une carrière de près de trois décennies, l'artiste togolais a vu certaines de ses œuvres intégrer des collections internationales, notamment celles du Torrance Art Museum en Californie. Son travail explore des thèmes tels que l'identité, la mémoire, le brassage culturel et le vivre-ensemble. Au-delà de sa carrière […]
Le MO5 rend hommage à Tavio Amorin, 34 ans après sa disparition
À l'occasion du 34ᵉ anniversaire de la disparition de Tavio Amorin, le Mouvement patriotique du 5 Octobre (MO5) a publié une déclaration rendant hommage à l'ancien dirigeant politique, présenté par l'organisation comme une figure majeure de la lutte démocratique et du panafricanisme au Togo. Signé par son coordinateur général, Eloi Koussawo, le communiqué salue la mémoire de celui que le mouvement considère comme l'un de ses cofondateurs et renouvelle son engagement à poursuivre son combat politique. Le texte adresse également un message de soutien à la famille de Tavio Amorin, notamment à son fils. Le MO5 décrit Tavio Amorin comme un militant engagé pour la démocratie, la justice et l'unité africaine. L'organisation estime que son héritage continue d'inspirer une partie de la jeunesse togolaise et réaffirme sa volonté de défendre les idéaux qu'elle lui attribue. Le communiqué est accompagné d'un […]
Georges William-Kouessan plaide pour des réformes au Togo
Invité de l'émission « D12 » sur Pyramide FM, le président du parti Santé du Peuple, Dr Georges William-Kouessan, s'est exprimé sur plusieurs sujets d'actualité, notamment la lutte contre la corruption, le dialogue politique et les inondations qui touchent le pays. Concernant la décision de l'Autorité de régulation des commandes publiques (ARCOP) sanctionnant un agent de l'État pour fraude, avec un ministre entendu dans le dossier, l'opposant a salué cette mesure tout en estimant que la lutte contre la corruption ne pourra être pleinement efficace que dans un contexte d'alternance politique et d'institutions plus indépendantes. Le président de Santé du Peuple a également critiqué le fonctionnement actuel du Cadre permanent de concertation (CPC), qu'il juge insuffisamment ouvert au dialogue. Il appelle à une réforme profonde de cette instance ainsi qu'à l'organisation d'assises nationales réunissant les partis politiques, la société civile […]
Related
Burna Boy, Madonna, Justin Bieber, others to perform at World Cup final halftime show tonight
Nigerian music star Burna Boy is set to perform alongside Madonna, Justin Bieber, Shakira and BTS at the first-ever FIFA World Cup final halftime show The historic 11-minute performance will take place at the New York New Jersey Stadium on July 19 and is being curated by Coldplay frontman Chris Martin. According to FIFA, the show is part of a broader effort to promote education and football opportunities for children through the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund. Burna Boy’s appearance marks another major international milestone for the Afrobeats star, who has continued to gain global recognition through major collaborations and festival performances. Other performers expected to feature in the show include Venezuelan conductor Gustavo Dudamel, the PS22 Chorus from Staten Island and Coldplay. The event is expected to draw a massive global audience as football fans around the world tune […]
Mercy Eke regrets participating in BBNaija
Former Big Brother Naija winner Mercy Eke has said she regrets participating in the reality show, even though it brought her fame and several benefits. Speaking on Toke Makinwa’s Toke Moments, Mercy said life in the spotlight has taken a toll on her peace of mind and made it harder to build a stable love life. She explained that the pressure of public scrutiny has been overwhelming, adding that she often finds herself comparing her progress with that of people who are not in the public eye. Mercy also said financial imbalance has been a recurring issue in some of her past relationships, noting that she has helped some men financially. Despite her regret, the reality star admitted that BBNaija changed her life positively by opening doors and creating new opportunities for her. Her comments have sparked fresh reactions online, […]
RMD appointed male feminist ambassador
Veteran Nollywood actor, writer and producer Richard Mofe-Damijo, popularly known as RMD, has been appointed as an ambassador for the Male Feminists Network. The appointment was made by the African Centre for Leadership, Strategy and Development in Abuja as part of efforts to strengthen the fight against gender-based violence. RMD will work alongside other ambassadors to help lead a national campaign aimed at ending violence against women and promoting gender equality. Speaking after the announcement, the actor said the issue of gender-based violence requires urgent attention and collective action from all levels of society. He added that more men must speak up and support the campaign against abuse, discrimination and harmful social norms. The organisers said RMD’s influence and public standing will help spread awareness and encourage more people to join the movement.
Femi Adebayo gifts daughter car on 21st birthday
Nollywood actor Femi Adebayo has surprised his daughter, Niniola Jannah, with a brand new car as she marked her 21st birthday. The actor also showered her with other luxury gifts during the emotional celebration, leaving her visibly moved by the gesture. The moment has drawn praise from fans who described it as a beautiful father-daughter celebration. Femi Adebayo earlier shared a heartfelt tribute to his daughter, reflecting on her growth and how much joy she has brought into his life over the years. The birthday surprise has since become a talking point on social media, with many celebrating the actor for his generosity and love for his family.
Davido says his wedding ring is among his travel essentials
Afrobeats star Davido has shared five items he never travels without, and one of them is his wedding ring. The singer said the ring is important to him because it reminds him of his family and his commitment at home, even when he is on the road. He listed the other items as part of the personal essentials that help him stay comfortable while travelling. The conversation gave fans a closer look at his lifestyle and the things he keeps close when moving from one place to another. Davido’s comments also reflected his playful side as he spoke about the objects and habits that matter to him most during trips. The interview has drawn attention because of his openness and the way he blended humour with a glimpse into his private life.
Being born again does not erase trauma Funnybone urges church to prioritise mental health
Nigerian comedian Funnybone has called on the church to take mental health more seriously. He said that becoming born again does not automatically erase trauma, pain or emotional struggles, and that many people still need professional help even after spiritual conversion. According to him, faith is important, but it should not be used as a replacement for proper mental health care. He explained that some people continue to battle depression, anxiety and deep emotional wounds while appearing fine on the outside. Funnybone urged religious leaders to create a safe space where people can speak openly about their struggles without fear of being judged. He also encouraged churches to work with mental health professionals when necessary. His message is a reminder that spiritual support and mental health care can work together to help people heal properly.