Resurfaced Allegations Link Julia Roberts' Family to Hollywood's Dark Past
In a bombshell revelation that's sending ripples through Hollywood, a 1994 deposition from Eliza Roberts—sister-in-law to iconic actress Julia Roberts—has come to light, accusing actor Timothy Busfield of sexual harassment. The claims, detailed in a report by The Daily Mail, paint Busfield as a persistent 'creep' who allegedly made unwanted advances on multiple women, including Roberts herself. This story gains even more weight amid Busfield's recent arrest on child sex abuse charges, highlighting a pattern of alleged misconduct spanning decades.
Julia Roberts, the 57-year-old Oscar winner known for timeless films like Pretty Woman and Erin Brockovich, has long maintained a private family life. Her brother, Eric Roberts, a prolific actor with over 700 credits, married Eliza in 1992. Now 73, Eliza has built a career as an actress, casting director, and talent manager. But three decades ago, she stepped into the spotlight—not for her work, but to support a teenage accuser against Busfield.
The 1994 Deposition: A 'Creep' in Hollywood
The deposition stems from a 1993 incident on the set of the baseball comedy Little Big League, where a 17-year-old girl from Minnesota accused Busfield of sexual harassment. Eliza Roberts voluntarily provided sworn testimony, joining five other women in backing the lawsuit. The case settled out of court in July 1995 for an undisclosed sum, with no criminal charges filed at the time.
In her statement, Eliza described Busfield, then 37, as compulsively chasing women. She recounted an alleged 1989 encounter where the actor, married to Jenny Merwin at the time, propositioned her aggressively. According to the court document, Busfield reportedly boasted he would be 'so great in bed' and complained that his wife was a 'lousy f–k.' Eliza further claimed he persistently offered her oral sex, leaving her humiliated and uncomfortable.
Three other women involved in Little Big League's production echoed similar experiences in their statements. They described Busfield hitting on them in bars with unsettling, aggressive sexual overtures. At around 41 years old during the deposition, Eliza's account added credibility to the teenager's claims, portraying Busfield as a serial harasser in an industry already rife with power imbalances.
Broader Context of 1990s Hollywood
This wasn't an isolated story in the pre-#MeToo era. The 1990s saw numerous whispers of misconduct on sets, often hushed up through settlements. Eliza's testimony, unearthed recently, underscores how women like her fought back quietly, supporting victims without the social media amplification we see today. For Julia Roberts, whose career skyrocketed in this period with hits like Steel Magnolias (1989) and My Best Friend's Wedding (1997), the allegations indirectly touch her family's orbit, reminding fans of the era's underbelly.
Current Charges: From Harassment to Child Abuse Allegations
Fast-forward to 2024, and Busfield, now 68 and best known for his Emmy-winning role on The West Wing, faces far graver accusations. A year-long investigation by New Mexico authorities led to his arrest in January 2026 on two counts of criminal misconduct against a minor and one count of child abuse. The charges relate to his alleged grooming and abuse of 11-year-old twin boys on the set of Fox's The Cleaning Lady, where he directed episodes.
According to the arrest warrant, one of the boys expressed fear of Busfield, stating he hadn't reported the incidents because 'Tim was the director, and he feared Tim would get mad at him.' When questioned, Busfield allegedly admitted it was 'highly likely' he had physical contact with the children, later downplaying the set as a 'playful environment.' He surrendered at his upstate New York home on January 13, 2026, and has denied all wrongdoing.
Compounding the scandal, on January 14, 2026, Busfield was accused of sexually abusing a 16-year-old girl at the B Street Theatre in Sacramento, California—a venue he co-founded in 1986. No charges have been filed in that case yet, but the timing amplifies scrutiny on his history.
Busfield's Vanishing Act and Legal Battles
Busfield reportedly vanished in early January 2026 after learning of the charges, only to turn himself in days later. His representatives have not commented extensively, but the actor's career, which includes stints in Field of Dreams (1989) and founding the aforementioned theater, now hangs in the balance. Legal experts suggest the resurfaced 1994 deposition could influence public perception and potentially his defense, painting a picture of long-standing behavioral issues.
Julia Roberts' Family Dynamics and Public Response
Julia Roberts has not publicly addressed these allegations, consistent with her preference for privacy. Her relationship with brother Eric has been tumultuous—marked by public feuds and reconciliations—but the family remains close-knit. Eric, who battled addiction in the 1990s, has praised Julia as a supportive sibling in past interviews. Eliza, as Eric's wife, has occasionally appeared in family photos and red-carpet events alongside the Roberts clan.
The story's connection to Julia is tangential yet poignant, as it spotlights the women in her family standing against industry predators. In an age of accountability, this could prompt reflection on how stars like Roberts navigated Hollywood's toxic elements. Fans and analysts alike are watching to see if Julia breaks her silence, especially as #MeToo continues to unearth old wounds.
Implications for the Entertainment Industry
These developments come at a time when Hollywood grapples with renewed calls for safer sets. Productions like The Cleaning Lady emphasize child welfare protocols, yet Busfield's case exposes gaps. For Australian audiences, where Julia Roberts remains a beloved figure—her films grossing millions Down Under—this serves as a stark reminder that glamour often masks grit.
As investigations proceed, the focus shifts to justice for the victims, past and present. Busfield's next court date looms, potentially reshaping narratives around power, consent, and celebrity in Tinseltown.
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