NBC Abruptly Pulls ‘Law & Order: SVU’ Episode as Timothy Busfield, 68, Faces Shocking Charges

NBC has made the complex and difficult decision to pull an upcoming episode of “Law & Order: Special Victims Unit” from its schedule. The episode, which is titled “Corrosive,” was set to guest star Timothy Busfield, an Emmy-winning actor known for his roles in “The West Wing” and “Thirtysomething.” This program change comes in the wake of the recent serious and disturbing allegations leveled against Busfield, which involve child sex abuse.

“Law & Order: SVU” Episode is Replaced 

The episode was originally slated to air on NBC on Jan. 15, but given the nature of the charges, the network has opted to replace it with a different episode, “Fidelis Ad Mortem,” which was scheduled for the following week. It remains unclear if “Corrosive” will ever see the light of day.

The Allegations Against Timothy Busfield

The allegations surrounding Busfield are both shocking and heartbreaking. Prosecutors in New Mexico have filed criminal charges against the 68-year-old actor, accusing him of two counts of criminal sexual contact of a minor as well as one count of child abuse. These charges stem from alleged incidents that occurred on the set of the Fox drama “The Cleaning Lady,” where Busfield served as an executive producer and director.

According to an arrest warrant issued by the Albuquerque Police Department, the allegations involve two 11-year-old twin boys. The details are distressing: one of the minors alleges that inappropriate touching began when he was just seven years old. The investigation reportedly began in Nov. 2024 after a doctor at the University of New Mexico Hospital alerted police to the possible abuse. The children’s parents had sought medical attention based on legal advice, leading to the involvement of child protective services.

Busfield, who is married to “Little House on the Prairie” star Melissa Gilbert, has now turned himself in to New Mexico authorities. He remains in custody until his next hearing date. The gravity of these accusations is quite serious, especially considering Busfield’s position of power and trust on the set where the alleged sex abuse took place.

Why NBC Decided to Pull The Episode

NBC pulling the “Law & Order: SVU” episode feels not only appropriate but very necessary. The SVU franchise had built itself on stories of survivors, trauma from crime, and the pursuit of justice for victims of rape and sexual violence. If NBC were to air an episode that features an actor who is currently facing horrific charges, it would be highly insensitive to real-life survivors and to the show’s dedicated fanbase.

In “Corrosive,” Busfield was set to play a judge in a storyline focused on abuse and recovery – themes that now sadly and eerily mirror the real-life allegations against him. NBC’s move to shelf this particular episode demonstrates a recognition of the severity of the situation. While networks often have to make tough calls regarding scheduling, the NBC decision is paramount to the show’s ratings; it is about ethics – and respect for the victims at the center of this case.

A Pattern of Misconduct

This is not the first time Busfield has faced accusations of inappropriate behavior. In 2012, he was accused of groping a woman while in a movie theater, though charges weren’t filed. Going back further to 1994, he faced sexual assault allegations from a 17-year-old movie extra, which he denied. The current charges, however, paint a much darker picture, alleging a sustained pattern of predatory conduct.

ABC news reports indicate that prosecutors have disclosed yet another allegation involving a 16-year-old girl who was auditioning for a role at the B Street Theatre in Sacramento several years ago. The filing suggests a disturbing history that prosecutors argue makes Busfield a danger to the community.

The Impact on Survivors

Stories like this are extraordinarily difficult to process. They remind us of the vulnerability of children who are in the entertainment industry, plus the devastating impact of abuse. It takes a lot of courage for victims and their families to come forward. 

As this legal process unfolds, it is crucial to keep the focus on the well-being of the alleged victims and also the importance of a thorough and fair investigation. “Law & Order: SVU” fans will see a different story unfold on NBC Thursday night, one which hopefully may provide the kind of fictional justice we all would like to see in the real world.