Timothy Busfield 'Could Come Out of It a Hero' After High-Profile Child Abuse Trial, Top Criminal Defense Attorney Says
Timothy Busfield denied all the allegations against him.
Aug. 14 2026, Published 3:16 p.m. ET
Timothy Busfield claimed his career is ruined – but a high-profile defense attorney claimed not all hope is lost for the actor.
The 69-year-old was indicted by a New Mexico grand jury on four counts of criminal sexual contact with a minor under the age of 13. He subsequently pled not guilty. In explosive testimony, he told a grand jury the allegations were enough to destroy his career. However, there's still a chance he could emerge as a "hero," RadarOnline.com has learned.
Timothy Busfield's Career Still Has a Chance, Says Expert
A top defense attorney admitted Hollywood might welcome Busfield back.
Criminal defense attorney Alexandra Kazarian told NewsNation's Paula Froelich that "Hollywood loves a comeback story."
Comparing Busfield's situation to prior scandals, like the domestic abuse allegations against Johnny Depp, Kazarian claimed Busfield could work again; it just wouldn't be for a long time.
If Kazarian were representing Busfield, the attorney explained, she would consider taking it to trial to fight the allegations against him.
"If he goes full Johnny Depp and has an entire trial and everyone watches every minute of it and is convinced that this is all a farce, then he could work," she explained. "He could come out of it as the hero. It all depends on how the general public views the ending of this case."
Attorney Warns Actor About Testifying
Alexandra Kazarian explained the option of testifying isn't completely off the table.
Further, Kazarian analyzed the decision to let Busfield testify before the grand jury, which was an optional move. She explained the testimony could ultimately hurt Busfield in his case against the state.
She additionally shared some insight received from celebrity attorney Mark Geragos' dad. He always said, "A criminal case never gets better when the client gets on the stand."
Kazarian noted that even if someone is innocent, their testimony can become detrimental because "when you're trying to defend your life" it's easy to slip up and very difficult to focus on the question in front of you.
She also said that she cross-examines a witness herself in private to ensure they can stand up to the test and pressure they'll experience in court. If they can withstand it, she's willing to put them on the stand, especially if it's worth the risk.
Froelich then speculated time on the stand would be an attempt to salvage his reputation, especially if the allegations truly are false.
Busfield Believes He'll 'Never Work Again'
The actor claimed he was cancelled.
Busfield previously denied the claims against him, insisting to the grand jury he's innocent. During testimony heard by Radar, in which he said he'll "never work again."
The director claimed he was replaced from a movie gig after the allegations. Plus, he was allegedly booted from a Law & Order: SVU episode he previously shot. "My agents have fired me," he said.
He claimed the children's parents brought the allegations forth in a "revenge plot."
Melissa Gilbert Loses Acting Gig
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Melissa Gilbert stood by her husband's side through the charges.
Busfield claimed he wasn't the only ones affected by the allegations.
"My children, grandchildren, everybody in my life is done because of these false allegations for money and for revenge," he explained.
His wife, Melissa Gilbert, who has stood by him throughout the claims, exited her Hallmark Channel series When Calls the Heart for Season 14.
At the time, budget concerns were cited as the reason for her leaving. There's no proof the network's decision was connected to her husband's legal woes.
