New Sexual Abuse Allegation Surfaces Against Timothy Busfield; DA Criticizes Warner Bros Investigation
A new sexual abuse allegation has surfaced against Timothy Busfield, the Emmy-winning actor and director. This development coincides with his upcoming court appearance in New Mexico on multiple child sexual abuse charges. Busfield, known for his role in “The West Wing,” has publicly maintained his innocence regarding these claims.
Details of the Allegations Against Timothy Busfield
Busfield faces two counts of criminal sexual contact with a minor and child abuse. The charges stem from incidents that occurred while he was working on “The Cleaning Lady,” a Fox drama that has since been canceled. The allegations detail inappropriate touching involving minors, which, if convicted, could result in decades in prison.
Upcoming Court Appearance
On Wednesday, Busfield is scheduled to appear via video from the Bernalillo County Metropolitan Detention Center for a Felony First Appearance hearing. The presiding Judge, Felicia Blea-Rivera, is expected to have a brief session where Busfield will likely plead not guilty. The motion to keep him in detention will be addressed separately in district court.
Criticism of Warner Bros. Investigation
In a recent filing, Albuquerque law enforcement criticized Warner Bros. for its limited cooperation during the investigation of these misconduct claims. District Attorney Sam Bergman noted that Warner Bros. failed to interview key witnesses linked to the allegations. The filing states:
- Limited cooperation from Warner Bros. revealed inadequate responses to the allegations.
- Crucial testimonies from victims’ families were not obtained during the internal investigation.
- Busfield’s history of alleged sexual misconduct raises serious concerns about community safety.
New Victim Comes Forward
A significant development occurred as another victim’s family reported past abuse connected to Busfield. Colin Swift, a therapist and father, reported that his daughter faced sexual misconduct from Busfield during an audition in Sacramento. The 16-year-old stated that Busfield touched her inappropriately while auditioning at the B Street Theatre.
Patterns of Allegations
This is not the first time Busfield has faced allegations. He has been accused of sexual misconduct in the past, specifically in 1994 and 2012. Although he was not charged in those cases, he reportedly made a payout of $150,000 over legal fees related to the earlier allegation.
Institutional Barriers to Justice
The district attorney’s office highlighted long-standing issues within the industry that may protect individuals in positions of power from accountability. The filing emphasized that fear of retaliation among potential witnesses hampered the investigation:
- Witnesses felt intimidated and hesitant to report their experiences.
- Delays in Warner Bros.’s response to a search warrant contributed to the difficulties in gathering evidence.
As the legal proceedings unfold, the scrutiny on Warner Bros. and the entertainment industry’s handling of such serious allegations continues to grow. Stakeholders hope for a thorough investigation that prioritizes the safety and wellbeing of minors involved.
