Actor Timothy Busfield, 69, has stated that his career is effectively over after being indicted on four counts of criminal sexual contact with a child under the age of 13. In testimony to an Albuquerque, New Mexico grand jury in February, Busfield said he has been "canceled" and does not believe he will ever work again, according to USA Today.
"I'm canceled," Busfield told the jury. "I'll never, I don't, I'll never work again just based on people's fear that I would do this again and, and even if it wasn't true, I’m done."
He further stated that he has lost TV shows and had his appearance digitally removed from a movie. His agency also terminated his contract.
Busfield's legal troubles stem from allegations involving two child actors who worked with him on the TV series "The Cleaning Lady" between 2022 and 2025, a show on which he served as producer and director. Prosecutors announced the indictment on February 6. Busfield has denied the charges.
During his testimony, Busfield asserted that the allegations were motivated by revenge from the children's parents after he excluded them from the cast for the show's fourth season. He claimed the parents coached their children to make false accusations.
Busfield surrendered to authorities in New Mexico on January 13 and was later released by a judge who noted he had not demonstrated a pattern of criminal behavior. His attorney, Larry Stein, has maintained Busfield's innocence, stating that the facts will prove his client's case and that the district attorney is proceeding with a "fundamentally unsound" case.
The actor expressed concern about the impact of the allegations on his family, particularly his wife, Melissa Gilbert, and her business ventures. Gilbert has been involved in a lifestyle business called Modern Prairie and recently launched products inspired by her former series "Little House on the Prairie."
Busfield, known for his roles in "Field of Dreams," "The West Wing," and "Thirtysomething," has also accumulated directing credits on shows such as "The Client List" and "Designated Survivor."
The trial for the case is currently scheduled to begin in May 2027.