Melissa Gilbert Speaks Out as Timothy Busfield Faces Serious Abuse Charges
Melissa Gilbert has spoken publicly for the first time since her husband, actor and director Timothy Busfield, was released from jail in New Mexico while awaiting trial on child abuse charges. Her comments were shared through Modern Prairie, her lifestyle brand, and were posted on Monday, according to the brand’s official channels.
In the message, the former Little House on the Prairie star described the moment as an extremely heavy one for her family. She thanked her followers for their support and understanding, writing that it has been an extraordinarily difficult time.
She added that the kindness she has received has meant a great deal, not just for her and Busfield, but for many people dealing with their own struggles. Not only for Tim, me and our family, but in the collective heaviness so many of us seem to be carrying right now, she wrote. Gilbert said she plans to slow down and focus on rest while navigating what she called an unexpected storm.
Busfield was arrested earlier this month in Albuquerque after a warrant was issued, according to court records in New Mexico. He is facing two counts of criminal contact with a minor and one count of child abuse. The charges are connected to alleged incidents involving a child actor on the set of the Fox series The Cleaning Lady. The child was reportedly seven years old at the time of the alleged abuse.
Busfield has denied all accusations. His attorneys have said the claims are false and maintain that he did nothing wrong. On January 20, a judge approved his conditional release after his legal team argued that he is not a flight risk and does not pose a danger to the public.
Gilbert addressed supporters again in her post, saying thank you, truly, for the love, patience, and support you continue to show Tim and me, and explained that she would return to public life carefully and at her own pace.
Before Busfield turned himself in, Gilbert briefly deactivated her Instagram account. At the time, reports stated that U.S. Marshals were attempting to locate her husband. Her representatives later warned fans about false online posts and AI-generated content, saying she had not spoken publicly yet. Earlier this month, her publicist told outlets that Melissa stands with and supports her husband and will address the public at an appropriate time.
Outside of the legal situation, Gilbert continues to work. She recently appeared on the Hallmark series When Calls the Heart and is set to return as Inspector Georgie McGill in Season 13, which is expected to premiere later this spring, according to the network.
Gilbert and Busfield, who married in 2013, have also been focused on their Modern Prairie brand, which centers on community, creativity, and women over 50. In recent years, Gilbert has talked openly about stepping away from Hollywood and embracing a quieter life. That shift is reflected in her current request for space as the legal case in New Mexico moves forward.
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