Timothy Busfield’s recurring Legislation and Order: SVU character could have a brand new face.
Us Weekly can affirm that Busfield, 68, has been recast on the long-running procedural sequence, with David Zayas tapped to exchange him. Zayas, 63, is finest recognized for taking part in Angel Batista on Dexter and its subsequent spinoff sequence.
Busfield’s last Legislation and Order: SVU episode was pulled final month from NBC after a warrant was issued for his arrest on fees of two counts of felony sexual contact of a minor and baby abuse. The episode was initially scheduled to air on January 15 however the episode was changed with one for an additional date.
The episode with Zayas has already been filmed and can air on Thursday, February 26.
Us has reached out to NBC and Busfield for remark.
Busfield was accused in January of inappropriately touching twin baby actors on the set of The Cleansing Girlthe place he served as an government producer and director. In line with the Albuquerque Police Division affidavit obtained by Usthe alleged incidents occurred between late 2022 and early 2024.
One of many baby actors claimed that he was “very afraid of Tim and was relieved when he was off set.” The boy’s twin brother, who additionally starred on the present, was allegedly “afraid to inform anybody as a result of Tim was the director, and he feared Tim would get mad at him,” per the affidavit.
Throughout an interview with police, Busfield denied that there was something “bizarre” about his interactions with the youngsters on set.
“I imply, I’m all the time round folks, proper? It might be, you realize, in entrance of the dad and mom. There would by no means be a bizarre second about it,” he stated. “I don’t actually keep in mind selecting these boys up. I keep in mind selecting up the boy who adopted them. I’d choose him up and he’d be laughing and that may form of get him able to act.”
Busfield surrendered himself to the police after the warrant was issued. Earlier than turning himself in, Busfield maintained his innocence in a video obtained by TMZ.
“I didn’t do something to these little boys,” he stated. “And I’m gonna battle it. I’m gonna battle it with an ideal crew, and I’m gonna be exonerated. I do know I’m, ‘trigger that is all so improper and so lies. So dangle in there, and hopefully I’m out actual quickly.”
UPDATE — 1/21/26, 1:45 a.m. ET: Timothy Busfield was launched from police custody as he awaits trial on alleged baby intercourse abuse fees. Per police data obtained by Us Weekly within the early hours of Wednesday, January 21, Busfield was launched yesterday. A report by Individuals revealed in mild of the information included (…)
After turning himself in, Busfield appeared in courtroom. He didn’t enter a plea on the time.
Amid the allegations, Busfield’s spouse, Melissa Gilberthas remained by his aspect. The actress, 61, has appeared in courtroom for Busfield’s hearings and launched an announcement of help by way of her publicist.
“Throughout this era, her focus is on supporting and caring for his or her very giant household, as they navigate this second,” the assertion obtained by Us learn. “Melissa stands with and helps her husband and can tackle the general public at an acceptable time. We ask that their privateness be revered.”
Gilbert’s rep added that the actress is not going to be making any extra statements on the request of Busfield’s authorized crew.
Should you or somebody you realize is experiencing baby abuse, name or textual content Baby Assist Hotline at 1-800-422-4453.