Actress Melissa Gilbert has taken a significant step in reaction to the troubling allegations against her husband, Timothy Busfield, the famous director and Emmy Award-winning actor.
Busfield is currently under scrutiny, facing a serious charge of child sex abuse.
The Nature of the Allegations
Melissa Gilbert remains steadfastly supportive of her husband, Timothy Busfield, amidst the allegations against him. The West Wing actor went to New Mexico police voluntarily following accusations related to child sex abuse.
Known for her role in Little House on the Prairie, Gilbert prioritizes standing by her husband and their “very large” family after his surrender. He is accused of engaging in unlawful sexual behavior with 11-year-old twin boys while working on the 2024 series The Cleaning Lady.
In the wake of these developments, Gilbert has made the decision to deactivate her social media, an important link to her devoted fan base. As reported by People, the 61-year-old actress removed her online accounts after the issuance of an arrest warrant for her 68-year-old husband, who faces accusations of misconduct involving two minors.
Visitors to her social media profiles are now greeted with a message stating: “Profile isn’t available. The link may be broken, or the profile may have been removed.”
Voluntary Surrender
Busfield, known for his accomplished work both in front of and behind the camera, turned himself in four days post the warrant issuance. He currently remains in the Bernalillo County Metropolitan Detention Center with charges of two counts of criminal sexual conduct of a minor and one count of child abuse against him.
The Bernalillo County District Attorney’s Office is advocating for his detention prior to trial, awaiting a judicial decision on whether or not he will be held until the trial begins.
In an emotionally charged video obtained by TMZ, released shortly before his surrender, Busfield directly addressed the proceedings:
“Hi everybody, it’s Tim. I’m sure most of you know, that are watching this, that I was ordered to come to Albuquerque – I’m here now. I got the call Friday night, I had to get a lawyer. Saturday I got in the car, drove 2,000 miles to Albuquerque. I’m gonna confront these lies. They’re horrible.”
“They’re all lies and I did not do anything to those little boys and I’m gonna fight it. I’m gonna fight it with a great team, and I’m gonna be exonerated, I know I am, because this is all so wrong and all lies.”
“So hang in there and hopefully I’m out real soon and back to work. I love everybody for supporting me, thank you.”
A Decade-Long Union
Gilbert and Busfield have been united in marriage since 2013. Standing by her husband, Gilbert’s representative confirmed her unwavering support.
A public statement from her representative conveyed: “During this period, her focus is on supporting and caring for their very large family, as they navigate this moment. Melissa stands with and supports her husband and will address the public at an appropriate time. We ask that their privacy be respected.”
Prior to the arrest warrant being issued, Melissa had shared her thoughts on child sexual abuse through social media. Reacting to comments made by Megyn Kelly about convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein’s targets being “barely legal” teens, she reflected on her experiences in the entertainment industry.
Reports from Healthcare Professionals
In her thoughtful social media post, she commended those in the industry who ensured her safety on set and advised Kelly on the cautious use of language.
The investigation around Busfield stemmed from reports in November 2024, with suspicions of abuse first reported by a healthcare professional at the University of New Mexico Hospital.
According to legal documents accessible through PEOPLE, the alleged incidents involved victims Busfield met during his tenure on the set of the FOX series The Cleaning Lady, beginning when one victim was just seven years old.
