Hairstylist Walks Back Claim She Saw Timothy Busfield Kiss Child Actors

The hairstylist for the film “The Cleaning Lady” has clarified her comments about executive producer Timothy Busfield.

She said she was unaware her conversation with a detective was recorded and stressed she aimed to speak truthfully about her observations.

Timothy Busfield, 68, who faces charges of sexual abuse involving a child actor and his twin, has denied all the allegations.

Danielle Vigil, the hairstylist for “The Cleaning Lady,” is clarifying statements she made regarding Timothy Busfield following his arrest on child sexual abuse charges.

In a statement to Us Weekly, Vigil explained that she had been contacted by a detective about a child-related investigation, which caused her “significant emotional distress” due to her personal history, as her daughter was tragically murdered several years ago.

Vigil said she initially felt “caught off guard and fearful” that the investigation might involve her own children or grandchildren.

“During the call, I expressed discomfort with continuing the conversation,” she wrote. “However, due to my lived experience with my daughter’s unsolved murder, and my belief that silence and lack of cooperation can sometimes prevent justice, I ultimately chose to answer questions about what I had personally observed.”

She emphasized that her aim was “never to speculate, accuse, or harm anyone, but to speak truthfully about my own perceptions as requested.”

Vigil noted that she was unaware the call was being recorded, saying, “Had I been aware that my words were being recorded or that the detective would use the conversation to fit his narrative, I would have chosen my language more carefully and ensured that my statements were fully contextualized.”

She added that she did not anticipate her comments would be used as part of official testimony against Busfield.

Expressing frustration over how her statements were reported, Vigil said portions of her conversation were “selectively presented in a manner that does not reflect the full context” and misrepresented her intentions.

Vigil described submitting her clarification in the “interest of accuracy, fairness, and transparency,” insisting her goal has always been to tell the truth responsibly.

“This statement is not intended to interfere with any investigation,” she added about her remarks being used in the Busfield case. “It is solely meant to clarify my position, my intentions, and the circumstances under which my statements were made.”

The hairstylist then noted, “I have always believed in telling the truth and acting in good faith, especially when the safety of children is involved. I also believe that truth must be handled responsibly and in full context.”

Busfield, 68, faces charges including two counts of criminal sexual contact of a minor and child abuse.

According to reports, the allegations involve inappropriate behavior toward a child actor and his twin on the set of Fox’s “The Cleaning Lady,” which Busfield directed several episodes of.

Busfield has denied the allegations, maintaining he had no physical contact with the children. After turning himself in, he spoke to TMZ, asserting, “I’m going to confront these lies. They’re horrible. They’re all lies, and I did not do anything to those little boys. I’m going to fight it. I’m going to fight it with a great team, and I’m going to be exonerated. I know I am because this is all so wrong and all lies.”

During a hearing on January 21, Busfield was released ahead of trial. The judge ordered him to maintain communication with his attorney, refrain from possessing firearms, and avoid contact with the alleged victims. His next court date has not been scheduled yet.

Prosecutors had requested that Busfield remain in custody until his trial, describing him as “an ongoing and serious danger to children and the community.”

In a pretrial filing, the Bernalillo County District Attorney’s office referenced what they characterized as a pattern of “sexual misconduct, abuse of authority, and grooming behavior” to justify his continued detention.

In response, Busfield’s legal team argued in a 237-page court document that the boys’ mother, whose children were replaced during filming, was seeking revenge against the director.

They also noted that Busfield had successfully completed an independently administered polygraph test and that a professional psychosexual evaluation determined he “does not appear to have a sexual attraction to prepubescent or adolescent males or females.”

The defense also submitted numerous character reference letters to the court from friends and family members, including his wife, actress Melissa Gilbert, who had not previously commented publicly on the allegations against Busfield.