The filmmaker is currently in jail, charged with two instances of criminal sexual contact involving a minor and one charge of child abuse.
Timothy Busfieldis resolute in his defense against claims of child sexual abuse, backed strongly by his wife,Melissa Gilbert, and several of hisThirtysomething cast mates.
Busfield appeared before a judge for the first time.since surrendering himself on two chargesCharged with criminal sexual contact involving a minor and one count of child abuse on Wednesday. Although he had previously claimed his innocence, the actor did not provide a plea during the court session, leading the judge to mandate that he remain without bail until his next court date, set for Tuesday, January 20.
In a recent submission obtained and examined byEntertainment Weekly, Busfield’s legal team responded to New Mexico’s motion to detain him before trial and submitted 75 letters of support for the 68-year-oldWest Wingalum authored by Gilbert and his formerThirtysomethingco-starred Peter Horton and Ken Olin.
“The State’s effort to reclassify voluntary surrender as an aggravating factor highlights the lack of real evidence showing any danger,” according to an opposition document submitted to the New Mexico courts, aiming to counter prosecutors’ attempts to keep Busfield, who is currently in jail, detained until and during his trial on felony charges.
The Motion requests the Court to jail a man based on a narrative that has already fallen apart under independent review,” states the document filed by Albuquerque attorneys Amber Fayerberg and Christopher Dodd. “The State provides no credible evidence—just claims made by witnesses who have a documented history of deceit and financial misconduct, which are contradicted by an extensive studio investigation, and denied by witnesses and objective risk evaluations. The Constitution does not permit freedom to be lost on such a basis. The State’s Motion should be rejected.
Busfield’s legal team claims that the actor had previously successfully completed a “court-qualified” lie detector test, and that Warner Bros. conducted its own inquiry into the allegations made by two young actors from FOX’s recently canceled showThe Cleaning Lady found the allegations unfounded.
The attorneys say, “For all these reasons — the independent investigation that challenged the State’s claims at every stage, the positive results from the polygraph and ABEL evaluation, the strong evidence of character and support from the community, and the lack of any credible proof of danger — the State is unable to satisfy its obligation to provide clear and convincing evidence that no release conditions would adequately safeguard the public. The Constitution mandates release with suitable conditions.”
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Despite at least a new allegation has come to light since Busfield was charged, Gilbert, who deactivated some of her social media profiles after the allegations, provided support for her husband in one of 75 letters addressed to the actor-director from “colleagues, educators, parents, neighbors, and family” who are said to have known Busfield “for years — and in many cases for decades.”
In her letter, Gilbert started by introducing herself as Busfield’s wife and mentioned that they had a brief encounter in the 1980s before falling in love in 2012. “The truth is that Tim Busfield is my love, my support, and my partner in both business and life,” she stated. “He is my source of comfort and guidance. His happiness, humor, and sharp wit add brilliance to my life. Tim is, quite simply, the core of our exciting and amazing extended family.”
Tim possesses the most robust sense of ethics among all people I’ve ever encountered,” she added, partially. “He has devoted his inner spirit to consistently serving others. He begins each day with kindness and empathy.
She mentioned that on “every single shoot where Tim is involved,” she has been approached by “multiple individuals” who claim he is “their favorite director of all time.”
Actually, people tell me that in restaurants, on red carpets, and even in grocery stores,” she wrote. “His former students say he was their favorite teacher ever. I can’t describe how much it has warmed my heart again and again to hear people from all different backgrounds tell me they met my husband in some way and he is their favorite. He is my favorite.
This is the most unusual letter I’ve ever needed to compose,” Gilbert admitted. “I started this letter with reason, but now emotions have taken control. I can’t stop it. All I desire is for this remarkable man to be safe and sound. Therefore, I will end by asking you, please, please look after my beloved husband. He is my guardian, and I am his, but I can’t protect him right now, and I believe that, above all else, is what is truly hurting me deeply. I’m counting on you to safeguard him for me.
Colleagues in Hollywood, such as director Edward Zwick and his fellow actors, commended his qualities as a performer, filmmaker, and co-star.
“Timothy is my friend, so there’s no question I’m biased,” he said.ThirtysomethingCo-star Ken Olin also included a letter in the filing, stating, “But I know him well, over many years and various life changes, and he has always been someone who cares for others — both old and young. And I truly believe in my heart that Timothy would never do anything to cruelly exploit or harm anyone, especially a child.”
Another ThirtysomethingCast member Peter Horton commended Busfield as “not just a talented actor and an excellent director,” but also “a genuinely good person. From start to finish.”
He continued, “I’ve observed his work as a director and have appreciated, even gained insight from, the way he beautifully respects and encourages his actors. I’ve seen him meet, marry, and later separate from his wife. Witnessed how he handled that situation with such elegance and kindness despite the challenges. I’ve watched him raise his children, particularly his son, Willy, with care, awareness, and have seen him guide them through his own actions. By being a virtuous man. In fact, I understand how crucial it is for his children, friends, and indeed the general public to see him for what he truly is — a good man.”
Horton mentioned that his viewpoint is “not just from another artist and friend, but also from another father of two daughters, who understands the importance and strength of having a great dad. So I say this with the background of a long relationship with Tim, as a friend, and as a fellow parent. Tim is an excellent person.”
I hope, despite my hopes, that this is useful for you given the challenge of having to assess Tim in such a short period and with limited opportunity to know him,” he concluded. “For most people, it takes time and experience to determine if someone is good or not. For some, it’s much more apparent from the beginning. Goodness just comes naturally to them. So, for what it’s worth to you, as I’m sure you’ll hear from all of us who have known him over the years, Tim is one of those individuals where it’s clear from the start. My hope and prayer during this difficult time is that you will see it too.
As per an arrest warrant obtained and examined by EW, an inquiry into Busfield commenced in November 2024 following a physician at the University of New Mexico Hospital notifying authorities about claims of sexual misconduct. The parents of the victims informed Officer Marvin Brown that the 11-year-old twin boys were young actors who encountered Busfield on the set of the Fox series.The Cleaning Lady,for which he worked as a director and executive producer.
If convicted of the alleged child abuse, Busfield might be sentenced to a minimum of three years in a state prison. According to New Mexico’s laws, the punishment and felony classification can increase substantially in sex crime cases involving children under 13 years old — which this case is said to involve.
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