Albuquerque, January 16, 2024 — Actor Timothy Busfield has been removed from the cast of the upcoming Amazon MGM rom-com You Deserve Each Other following allegations of sexual abuse, a development that underscores the swift repercussions facing those accused of misconduct in Hollywood.
Fallout From Allegations Impacts Rom-Com and Beyond
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You Deserve Each Other, starring Meghann Fahy and Penn Badgley, is adapted from Sarah Hogle’s 2020 bestselling novel. The story centers on an engaged couple who attempt to sabotage their wedding, only to rediscover their love in the process. Busfield had been cast as Bernie, the father of Fahy’s character, Naomi.
Timeline of Accusations and Legal Proceedings
An arrest warrant for Busfield was issued on January 9, related to alleged conduct involving children that reportedly occurred on the set of Fox’s The Cleaning Lady. He subsequently turned himself in to authorities in Albuquerque, New Mexico. He is now charged with two counts of criminal sexual contact of a minor and child abuse, stemming from an investigation into allegations involving two male minors on the drama, where he both directed episodes and had a minor on-screen role.
While Busfield has publicly maintained his innocence, a second allegation surfaced, claiming he groped a teenage girl during an audition at the B Street Theatre in Sacramento, California, several years ago, according to a prosecution filing.
Past Allegations Resurface
This isn’t the first time Busfield has faced such accusations. In 1994, he settled with an extra on the film Little Big League, which he directed, following allegations of sexual abuse. Additionally, in 2012, a woman alleged he groped her on a date, though no charges were filed at the time.
Industry Response and Fallout
In light of the new accusations, Innovative Artists has ceased representation of Busfield. NBC has also pulled an episode of Law & Order: SVU featuring Busfield as a guest star. The actor is scheduled to appear in court on January 20 for a pretrial detention hearing.
- Timothy Busfield has been removed from You Deserve Each Other amid sexual abuse allegations.
- He faces charges of criminal sexual contact of a minor and child abuse in New Mexico.
- A second allegation involves an incident at a California theater.
- His agency has dropped him, and an episode of Law & Order: SVU has been pulled.
- Busfield is scheduled for a court hearing on January 20.
