Melissa Gilbert Speaks Out Following Timothy Busfield’s Arrest

Melissa Gilbert has publicly addressed the challenges faced by her family following the arrest of her husband, actor Timothy Busfield. Busfield is accused of inappropriate conduct involving two boys on the set of a television series. This situation has prompted Gilbert to reflect on what truly matters during this extraordinarily difficult time.

Melissa Gilbert Speaks Out About Family Challenges

Gilbert, known for her role in *Little House on the Prairie*, took to Instagram to share her thoughts. She emphasized the importance of taking a step back during troubling times to recharge and reflect. Gilbert expressed gratitude for the support she and her husband have received from their community.

“Thank you for helping me to feel safer, more grounded, and deeply held by this extraordinary community,” she wrote. Gilbert noted that she would be returning to her regular activities thoughtfully, moving forward at a measured pace.

Details of Timothy Busfield’s Arrest

Timothy Busfield was taken into custody earlier this month and faces serious allegations, including sexual contact with a minor and child abuse. The accusations relate to his work on the Fox series *The Cleaning Lady*, where Busfield served as an executive producer and director.

• Busfield allegedly had inappropriate contact with twin child actors.
• Allegations of misconduct reportedly began when the boys were around seven years old.
• One child claimed Busfield touched him inappropriately between takes.

In November 2024, Albuquerque officials began investigating the claims following concerns that the boys might have been groomed. The investigation intensified when one of the children disclosed allegations of sexual contact to his therapist.

Legal Proceedings and Community Support

After a warrant was issued, Busfield traveled from New York to New Mexico to surrender to authorities. His defense team submitted over 80 letters of support, along with a psychosexual evaluation indicating he presented a “very low risk.” This report claimed he exhibited no sexual attraction to minors.

Judge David Murphy acknowledged these submissions when he ordered Busfield’s release, citing a lack of evidence indicating he posed an imminent threat to the community. The case continues to unfold as Gilbert and Busfield navigate this challenging period.