Ex-‘Cleaning Lady’ Crew Member Claims Accuser’s Mom Threatened Timothy Busfield

A former crew member from the TV series The Cleaning Lady has come forward to defend director Timothy Busfield, pushing back against serious allegations that he sexually abused two child actors on set.

According to newly filed court documents obtained by TMZ, Christopher Ford, a veteran Hollywood security guard who worked on Season 3 of the show, claims the accusations are inconsistent with what he personally witnessed during production in New Mexico.

Crew Member Describes Heated Lunch Conversation

Ford says he attended a lunch in Corrales, New Mexico, in March or April 2024 after filming wrapped for Season 3. He claims the mother of the two child actors was present and became visibly angry while discussing whether her sons would return to the show.

In his statement, Ford alleges the mother said she would “get Timothy Busfield” and “have his ass” if her children were not rehired for the next season. Importantly, Ford says this comment was made before any formal complaint or report of inappropriate conduct had been filed with authorities.

Police later stated that Busfield replaced the two boys with a younger child actor who had auditioned for the role.

“No Opportunity” for Abuse, Witness Claims

Ford further states that the children’s parents were always present while the boys were working on set. He claims he frequently saw the children’s father encouraging them to hug people on set, including Busfield, and that these interactions happened openly and in front of others.

According to Ford, Busfield was never alone with the children. He says all interactions occurred in public areas, surrounded by cast, crew, and parents, adding there was “no realistic opportunity” for any private or inappropriate contact.

Criminal Charges and Conflicting Statements

As previously reported, Busfield surrendered to Albuquerque Police Department last week after a warrant was issued for his arrest. Prosecutors charged him with two counts of criminal sexual contact of a minor and one count of child abuse.

However, court documents filed Monday reveal that the two child actors initially told police the opposite during audio-recorded interviews in November 2024, denying that any inappropriate touching had occurred.

Prosecutors now claim the boys disclosed the alleged abuse only after undergoing therapy sessions in September 2025. One of the children reportedly told a counselor that Busfield had touched his penis and bottom.

Busfield Denies Allegations

Busfield has strongly denied all accusations. He is currently being held without bond while the case proceeds. His legal team says he passed an independent lie detector test related to the allegations and maintains that an internal investigation by Warner Bros. found no evidence of misconduct.

The case remains under investigation, with sharply conflicting accounts from prosecutors and defense witnesses now forming the center of an increasingly contentious legal battle.