Emmy-winning actor Timothy Busfield is formally in police custody in New Mexico, days after allegations that he sexually abused two little one actors on the set of the Fox drama “The Cleansing Girl” got here to mild.
A spokesperson for the Albuquerque Police Division confirmed on Tuesday that the 68-year-old actor “turned himself in on the Metro Detention Middle.” Busfield, identified for tv sequence “The West Wing” and “Thirtysomething,” will probably be booked on his arrest warrant, the spokesperson stated.
A authorized consultant for Busfield didn’t instantly reply to a request for remark, however Busfield denied the allegations in a video printed by TMZ.
“I’m gonna confront these lies,” he stated within the video, “they’re horrible.”
Within the video reportedly filmed at his legal professional’s workplace, the actor stated he was knowledgeable in regards to the warrant for his arrest on Friday, the identical day it was issued. He stated he procured authorized illustration and on Saturday “acquired in a automotive and drove 2,000 miles to Albuquerque.”
He added of the allegations: “They’re all lies and I didn’t do something to these little boys.”
Busfield stated he and his authorized group will “combat” in opposition to the fees, and he predicted, “I’m gonna be exonerated.” He urged supporters to “cling in there,” thanked them for his or her assist and stated he seems ahead to returning to work.
Final week, a New Mexico choose issued a warrant for Busfield’s arrest on two counts of prison sexual contact of a minor and a single rely of kid abuse. In accordance with an affidavit, Busfield is accused of inappropriately touching two little one actors, who’re brothers, whereas he labored as a director on the Fox drama.
Fox, together with “Cleansing Girl” producer Warner Bros. Tv, stated on Sunday that it prioritizes the well being and security of its forged and crew and are conscious of the fees in opposition to Busfield. The studios additionally stated they’ve been working, and can proceed to work, with legislation enforcement in its investigation.
Busfield surrendered himself lower than a day after a number of shops reported that the U.S. Marshals Service would help New Mexico officers of their seek for the actor.
Because the allegations in opposition to Busfield grew to become public, his spouse, “Little Home on the Prairie” actor Melissa Gilbert, reportedly eliminated her profile on Instagram. In an announcement shared Tuesday, Gilbert’s publicist Ame Van Iden stated the actor, 61, wouldn’t publicly touch upon her husband’s case and denounced “any purported statements.”
Iden stated within the assertion that Gilbert stands by her husband and can give attention to “supporting and caring for his or her very massive household, as they navigate this second.”
