Eliza Roberts, the sister-in-law of Julia Roberts, accused actor Timothy Busfield of sexual harassment and humiliation in a deposition from 1994 that has recently resurfaced. The claims came amid a broader investigation into Busfield’s alleged misconduct, underscoring a troubling pattern of behavior tied to the actor spanning decades.
Details of Eliza Roberts’ Allegations Against Timothy Busfield
In her voluntary 1994 deposition, Eliza Roberts testified that Busfield exhibited predatory behavior toward women, describing him as a “creep” who “compulsively” pursued them. Roberts, who is married to Eric Roberts, Julia Roberts’ brother, spoke out to support a lawsuit filed by a 17-year-old girl from Minnesota. That teen had accused Busfield of sexual harassment during the filming of Little Big League the previous year.
According to the deposition acquired by The Daily Mail, Roberts revealed that five years before her statement, Busfield pressured her into having sex. During this encounter, he allegedly boasted about being “so great in bed” and disparaged his then-wife, describing her as a “lousy f–k.” Her testimony was part of a set of six statements from women connected to the case, including several involved with the Little Big League production. The teen’s lawsuit eventually settled out of court in July 1995 for an undisclosed amount.
Other Women’s Accounts of Busfield’s Conduct During Little Big League Production
Alongside Roberts’ affidavit, three additional women, also connected to Little Big League, shared similar testimonies. Two of these women described Busfield approaching them in bars with a persistent, intrusive, and aggressively sexual manner. The exact ages of these women at the time remain unclear, although Roberts herself was approximately 41 when she gave her deposition.
No criminal charges emerged from the 1994 allegations, leaving the accusations unresolved in a legal sense yet significant in their implication of Busfield’s behavior pattern. His personal history includes a marriage to Jenny Merwin in 1988, following his divorce from actress Radha Delamarter in 1986, providing a timeline frame around the era of these claims.
Recent Criminal Charges and Investigations Related to Busfield
Nearly three decades after these earlier claims, Busfield faced serious legal troubles in 2024. Authorities in New Mexico launched a year-long investigation into allegations that the actor groomed child actors while working on the Fox series The Cleaning Lady. Busfield was charged with child sex abuse, specifically related to 11-year-old twin boys involved in the investigation.
During questioning, Busfield allegedly acknowledged that it was
“highly likely that he would have”
engaged in physical contact with the twins. He downplayed the behavior, describing the set environment as “playful,” according to court documents. One boy reported fear of Busfield, stating he stayed silent because
“Tim was the director, and he feared Tim would get mad at him.”
Busfield surrendered to police at his home in Upstate New York on January 13, facing two counts of criminal misconduct against a minor—one for each twin—and an additional count of child abuse. Busfield has denied any wrongdoing in relation to these charges.
Additional Accusations Linked to Busfield’s Past
Shortly after his arrest in New York, further allegations surfaced. On January 14, Busfield was publicly accused of sexually abusing a 16-year-old girl at the B Street Theatre in Sacramento, California, an institution the actor founded. As of now, no charges have been brought against him connected to this accusation.
Context on Busfield’s Career and the Impact of Accusations
Timothy Busfield is known for his work on shows such as The West Wing and The Cleaning Lady. His career, spanning acting and directing, now faces intense scrutiny amid the chilling allegations from both decades-old claims and recent investigations. These revelations highlight persistent issues of abuse and misconduct in Hollywood, particularly concerning those in positions of power over vulnerable individuals, such as minors and young actors.
The resurfacing of Eliza Roberts’ deposition draws attention to early warning signs ignored or unacted upon in Busfield’s trajectory. It also illustrates the ripple effect such actions have had on multiple people connected to the film and television industry over many years.
Significance and Next Steps in the Busfield Case
The long history of allegations against Busfield, from Julia Roberts’ sister-in-law’s account in 1994 to current criminal complaints, underscores a deeply troubling pattern. The public exposure of these events pressures the entertainment industry and legal system to take more proactive and preventive measures against sexual harassment and abuse.
This case may influence changes in how sets and studios address allegations of misconduct, particularly to protect minors and vulnerable women. Monitoring ongoing legal proceedings remains crucial, as does supporting survivors who come forward with their stories after years of silence due to fear or intimidation.
“highly likely that he would have” had physical contact with the 11-year-old twin boys at the center of a criminal misconduct investigation against him.
– Officer, Arrest Warrant
“because Tim was the director, and he feared Tim would get mad at him.”
– 11-year-old boy, Investigation Warrant
