Canceled Timothy Busfield moans career is done in testimony
Actor Timothy Busfield moaned in February grand jury testimony that his career is done as he faces child sex abuse charges, saying he has been "canceled," lost jobs, and will never work again even if the allegations prove untrue, according to Page Six reporting on court documents.
Key Takeaways
- Busfield, 69, told a grand jury his Hollywood career is finished and that he has been "canceled."
- He faces four counts of criminal sexual contact of a child under 13 tied to alleged contact with two 7-year-old actors.
- He denies the claims, alleging the boys' parents sought revenge after the twins were dropped from "The Cleaning Lady."
- Wife Melissa Gilbert has publicly backed him; his trial is slated to begin in May 2027.
In celebrity breaking news circulating from recently obtained court papers, the "Revenge of the Nerds" and "Thirtysomething" alum framed the case as career-ending — a rare, raw admission while serious charges remain unresolved.
Why did Timothy Busfield say his career is done?
According to Page Six, citing documents obtained by USA Today, Busfield complained to the jury that his "career is done" while fighting the accusations.
"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 testified in February.
He also said he had been "canceled," adding: "I've lost TV shows, a movie they've digitally replaced me from. My agency fired me. I'm done. This is not about me or a pity thing."
"My children, grandchildren, everybody in my life is done because of these false allegations for money and for revenge," Busfield said. He further claimed the boys' parents "have ruined me," while saying he would not "break" wife Melissa Gilbert's business.
What charges does Timothy Busfield face?
Busfield was arrested in January on charges of child abuse and criminal sexual contact of a minor. Prosecutors allege he inappropriately touched two 7-year-old twin actors on the Fox series "The Cleaning Lady," which he produced and occasionally directed.
In February, he was officially charged with four counts of criminal sexual contact of a child under the age of 13. One of the boys claimed the actor touched his genitals over his clothes several times.
During testimony, Busfield denied inappropriately touching the boys but admitted to tickling them and having his arms around them. He told TMZ he "did not do anything to those little boys."
He argued the parents allegedly orchestrated false claims after the child actors were dropped from the show's fourth season. The twins were reportedly making a combined $30,000 per episode. Busfield said the boys "are the victims" of coached lies, then added he "shouldn't call them criminals."
How has Melissa Gilbert responded, and what comes next?
Gilbert, 62, has remained by her husband's side, calling Busfield "the last person in the world who would hurt a child." She also attended his January court hearing.
Busfield's trial is scheduled to begin in May 2027. The charges are allegations; he has not been convicted.
If you or someone you know is affected by sexual abuse issues, call the Sexual Assault Hotline at 1-800-330-0226.