Julia Roberts' Sister-in-Law Accuses Timothy Busfield of Harassment
According to media reports, decades ago actor Timothy Busfield was called a «creep» and accused of sexual harassment. This was stated by Eliza Roberts, who is married to Julia Roberts« brother Eric.
Her testimony was given in 1994 as part of a case involving a 17-year-old girl who accused Busfield of harassment on the set of the film «Little Big League». Eliza claimed that five years earlier, Busfield, whom she barely knew, behaved inappropriately.
According to Roberts, the actor spoke about wanting to perform oral sex on her, boasted that he would be «so good in bed,» and complained that his wife was «no good at sex.» At the time, he was with his first wife.
In total, six women came forward at that time with statements in support of the teenager«s accusations. Three of them were connected to the filming of »Little Big League,« and two others said that Busfield persistently and aggressively harassed them in bars.
New accusations against Busfield emerged last month. Two boys stated that he sexually assaulted them on the set of the series «The Cleaning Lady.» The actor was arrested but later released on bail, and he insists that the accusations are «lies.»
After a hearing, the judge refused to keep Busfield in custody, not seeing a risk to public safety. His current wife, actress Melissa Gilbert, supports her husband and was pleased with his release.
Eliza Roberts expressed regret that she did not take more decisive action after her alleged incident with Busfield in 1989. She explained that she feared negative publicity and did not want to be distracted from her children, husband, and work.
