Lawyer for Timothy Busfield labels parents of accusers as criminals

The legal team representing Emmy-winning actor and director Timothy Busfield has issued a sharp rebuke against the parents of two child actors involved in a high-profile abuse case.

On Monday, following a televised interview on Good Morning America with George Stephanopoulos, attorney Larry Stein characterised the parents of the accusers as "criminals."

Mr Stein alleged that one parent previously served a prison sentence for a multi-million-pound fraud, while the other has a history involving theft.

These comments come as the defence maintains that the allegations are a retaliatory "shakedown" following the recasting of the twin boys on the television series The Cleaning Lady.

During the interview, Mr Busfield’s spouse, the Little House on the Prairie star Melissa Gilbert, spoke emotionally about the toll the situation has taken on their family.

"This has been the most traumatising experience of our lives," she stated. "For Tim, it’s done. He’s cancelled. Even if he’s exonerated, he will always be that guy. The last person in the world who would hurt a child."

Mr Busfield was charged in January with criminal sexual contact and child abuse linked to his time directing in New Mexico.

While the District Attorney initially sought to keep him detained, a judge ordered his release in late January, citing a lack of evidence for continued custody.

Timothy Busfield is widely recognised for his roles in Thirtysomething and The West Wing. His professional future remains uncertain after being dropped by his agency, though he recently completed work on the surprise project Haunted by Fame in October 2025.