Timothy Busfield Replaced by David Zayas on SVU Following Child Abuse Controversy
Timothy Busfield’s recurring role on Law and Order: SVU will soon feature a different actor.
Us Weekly has confirmed that Busfield, aged 68, has been replaced on the long-running procedural, with David Zayas, 63, chosen as his successor. Zayas is widely recognized for his portrayal of Angel Batista on Dexter and its spin-off series.
Busfield’s last episode of Law and Order: SVU was removed from NBC last month following the issuance of an arrest warrant against him for two counts of criminal sexual contact with a minor and child abuse. This episode was originally set to air on January 15 but was subsequently substituted with a different one.
The episode featuring Zayas has already been recorded and is scheduled to air on Thursday, February 26.
Us has sought comments from both NBC and Busfield.
Busfield faced allegations in January of inappropriately touching twin child actors on the set of The Cleaning Lady, where he worked as an executive producer and director. According to an affidavit from the Albuquerque Police Department acquired by Us, the incidents reportedly took place between late 2022 and early 2024.
One of the child actors stated that he felt “very afraid of Tim and was relieved when he was not on set.” His twin brother, who also appeared in the show, allegedly felt too scared to report the incidents, fearing retaliation from Busfield due to his position as director, as mentioned in the affidavit.
In a police interview, Busfield asserted that there was nothing inappropriate about his interactions with the children on set.
“I’m always around people, right? It would be in front of the parents. There would never be a weird moment about it,” he stated. “I don’t really remember picking those boys up; I do recall lifting the boy who followed them. I’d pick him up, and he’d be giggling, which would help get him ready to act.”
After the warrant was issued, Busfield turned himself in to authorities. Prior to that, he maintained his innocence in a video acquired by TMZ.
“I did not do anything to those little boys,” he expressed. “And I’m going to fight this. I’m going to fight it with a great team, and I will be exonerated. I know I will because all of this is lies and so wrong. So hang in there, and hopefully, I’ll be out real soon.”
Following his surrender, Busfield appeared in court but did not enter a plea at that time.
Throughout the allegations, Busfield’s wife, Melissa Gilbert, has stood by him. The actress, 61, has attended Busfield’s court hearings and released a supportive statement through her publicist.
“During this time, she is focused on supporting and caring for their large family as they navigate this situation,” the statement obtained by Us noted. “Melissa stands with her husband and will address the public when appropriate. We ask that their privacy be respected.”
Gilbert’s representative added that the actress will refrain from making any further statements at the request of Busfield’s legal team.
If you or someone you know is experiencing child abuse, please call or text the Child Help Hotline at 1-800-422-4453.
