Law and Order SVU Pulls Episode Featuring Timothy Busfield Following Criminal Charges

NBC has removed an upcoming episode of Law and Order: Special Victims Unit that guest stars Timothy Busfield after the actor and director faced criminal charges involving child abuse. The episode, titled Corrosive, was scheduled to air on January 15 but will no longer be broadcast. The network will instead air the episode originally planned for January 22, Fidelis Ad Mortem, in its place. There is currently no confirmation on whether Corrosive will air ever.

An arrest warrant issued by Albuquerque, New Mexico authorities, which accuses Busfield of allegedly abusing two minor boys during his time directing episodes of the Fox drama series The Cleaner in 2024. Available information confirms that one of the children claimed inappropriate contact over clothing while on set. Both children were actors involved in the canceled series.

Warner Bros. Television, the studio behind The Cleaner, confirmed it conducted an internal investigation after receiving a SAG-AFTRA complaint and emphasized the safety of its cast, especially minors. The studio said it continues to cooperate with law enforcement regarding the ongoing investigation.

Busfield appeared in the SVU episode as a guest star. While details about his character and the episode’s storyline have not been publicly expanded upon, the network confirmed that the episode was fully completed prior to the emergence of the charges. NBC has not stated whether the episode could air at a later date or if it will remain shelved indefinitely.

Law and Order SVU is known for addressing sensitive and serious subject matter related to sexual crimes and the justice system. The decision to pull the episode reflects the network’s response to developments involving a performer associated with the production rather than the content of the episode itself.

Neither NBC nor the show’s producers have released additional statements beyond confirming the scheduling change. Busfield has not issued a public comment regarding the allegations as of this posting.

The TV Cave will provide ongoing coverage of developments related to Law and Order SVU and updates on the episode as verified information becomes available.