The Cleaning Lady‘s makeup artist Danielle Vigil is walking back allegations she made about Timothy Busfield after claiming her comments were “misconstrued” when the executive producer was charged with child sexual abuse.
Vigil released a statement to Us Weekly after previous reports claimed she said she saw Busfield, 68, kiss two kids on their foreheads on set of the since-canceled Fox series.
“I am providing this statement to clarify the circumstances surrounding a recorded conversation with a detective and the subsequent characterization of my words,” she stated. “At the time of the call, I was contacted by a detective regarding what was described as a child-related investigation. As a mother and grandmother, and as someone whose daughter was murdered just a few years ago, this immediately caused me significant emotional distress.”
Vigil was “caught off guard and fearful” that the incident involved her “children or grandchildren.”
“During the call, I expressed discomfort with continuing the conversation. 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 continued. “My intention was never to speculate, accuse, or harm anyone, but to speak truthfully about my own perceptions as requested.”
According to Vigil, she was “not informed that the call was being recorded,” adding, “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.”
Vigil didn’t expect her comments to be used as testimony against Busfield. (New Mexico is a one-party consent state.)
“During the conversation, I also expressed concern about my employment and my ability to support my family,” she said. “This concern was not rooted in fear of Timothy Busfield, but rather a general and reasonable fear that many people experience when speaking with law enforcement, especially when their name may become public. As the primary financial support for my family this concern was significant.”
After seeing her unofficial statement reported on, Vigil was taken aback. “I assumed, based on my prior experience attempting to obtain unredacted information related to my daughter’s case, that my identity would be protected unless otherwise discussed,” she noted. “I was later informed that my name was not redacted because I did not explicitly request it.”
She continued: “This was deeply upsetting, particularly when I read the report and how the detective misconstrued my words. I am troubled that portions of my statements were selectively presented in a manner that does not reflect the full context of the conversation or my intentions. I did not feel that my words were accurately or fairly represented, and I believe they were used to support a narrative that does not align with what I meant or how the conversation unfolded.”
Vigil clarified that she submitted the clarification in the “interest of accuracy, fairness, and transparency.” (A voicemail from Vigil to Busfield’s attorney was played in Busfield’s court hearing on Tuesday, January 21, in which Vigil said she felt her initial statement was “twisted” and “misconstrued” by the authorities.)
“This statement is not intended to interfere with any investigation. It is solely meant to clarify my position, my intentions, and the circumstances under which my statements were made,” she concluded. “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.”
News broke earlier this month that an arrest warrant was issued for Busfield with charges including two counts of criminal sexual contact of a minor and child abuse. The warrant, obtained by Us, accused Busfield of inappropriate behavior toward a child actor on the set of Fox’s The Cleaning Lady after directing several episodes.
The Albuquerque Police Department spoke with Busfield in November 2025 as part of their investigation into the claims. At the time, Busfield denied having any “physical contact” with the boy — or his twin brother, who also worked on The Cleaning Lady.
Busfield ultimately turned himself in to the authorities but has continued to maintain his innocence.
“I’m going to confront these lies. They’re horrible. They’re all lies, and I did not do anything to those little boys,” Busfield claimed in a video shared with TMZ earlier this month. “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 Tuesday, Busfield was released ahead of his trial. The judge’s ruling required Busfield to appear at all hearings and maintain contact with his attorney. He may not be in the possession of a firearm and he cannot have any contact with the alleged victims. The judge did not revoke Busfield’s ability to travel. Busfield’s next court hearing has yet to be scheduled.
If you or someone you know is experiencing child abuse, call or text Child Help Hotline at 1-800-422-4453.
