Julia Roberts’ sister-in-law, Eliza Roberts, has accused actor Timothy Busfield of sexually harassing and humiliating her in a deposition from 1994 that has recently resurfaced. These claims emerged amid a broader investigation into allegations against Busfield, and the renewed attention highlights troubling patterns of misconduct linked to the actor.
Details of Eliza Roberts’ Sexual Harassment Allegations Against Busfield
In 1994, Eliza Roberts voluntarily provided a deposition related to accusations against Timothy Busfield, who was then being sued by a 17-year-old girl from Minnesota for sexual harassment during the 1993 filming of Little Big League. Roberts, who is married to Julia Roberts’ brother Eric, described Busfield as a “creep” who “compulsively” pursued women. She supported the teen’s lawsuit with her sworn testimony along with statements from five other women.
According to court documents obtained from the deposition, Roberts alleged that around five years prior she had been subjected to Busfield’s aggressive advances. She recounted an encounter where Busfield pressured her into sex, boasting that he would be “so great in bed” while disparaging his then-wife, Radha Delamarter, as a “lousy f–k.”
At the time of giving her testimony, Roberts was approximately 41 years old and was working as an actress, casting director, and talent manager. Among the other women who provided statements, three were connected to the Little Big League production. Two of those actresses testified that Busfield pursued them in bars, exhibiting persistent and disturbing sexual behavior.
The lawsuit involving the teenage accuser was resolved out of court in July 1995 for an undisclosed amount. No criminal charges arose from the 1994 case. However, the deposition paints a picture of a long-standing pattern of inappropriate conduct by Busfield.
Background on Timothy Busfield’s Personal and Professional Life
Timothy Busfield, now 68, married Jenny Merwin in 1988 following his 1986 divorce from Radha Delamarter. His career includes notable roles such as on The West Wing and founding the B Street Theatre in Sacramento, California. Despite his professional accomplishments, his name has become increasingly associated with multiple accusations of sexual misconduct.
Recent Child Abuse Charges and Allegations Against Busfield
Busfield was taken into custody on January 13, 2026, after a year-long investigation by New Mexico authorities into allegations that he groomed child actors during the 2024 production of the Fox series The Cleaning Lady. He faces multiple charges, including two counts of criminal misconduct against a minor—one pertaining to each of 11-year-old twin boys—and one count of child abuse.
An arrest warrant detailed that when questioned, Busfield admitted it was
“highly likely that he would have”
had physical contact with the twin boys. He reportedly claimed the set was a “playful environment” and attempted to minimize the situation. One of the twins stated he was “very afraid” of Busfield on set, and hesitated to report his fears because
“Tim was the director, and he feared Tim would get mad at him.”
In addition to these charges, on January 14, Busfield was publicly accused of sexually abusing a 16-year-old girl at the B Street Theatre. So far, no formal charges have been filed in connection with this accusation.
Implications of the New Allegations and Historical Claims
The resurfacing of Eliza Roberts’ 1994 deposition adds weight to growing concerns surrounding Timothy Busfield’s history of misconduct involving both adults and minors. While the earlier cases resulted in no criminal proceedings, the recent child abuse charges mark a serious intensification of legal scrutiny. These developments underscore how longstanding patterns of harassment can go unpunished for years, allowing alleged perpetrators continued access to vulnerable individuals.
This situation also highlights the risks faced by individuals in the entertainment industry, where power imbalances can enable abuse. The testimonies gathered from different women and minors connected to Busfield’s professional environment reveal a consistent misuse of authority.
As Busfield awaits trial, his case is emblematic of a broader societal reckoning with abuse allegations in Hollywood. The outcomes will likely influence how similar accusations are handled, and may prompt increased protections for actors, especially minors, on set.
