Melissa Gilbert Speaks Out After Husband Timothy Busfield’s Arrest

Melissa Gilbert has issued her first public statement following the arrest of her husband, actor Timothy Busfield, who faces allegations of inappropriate contact involving two child actors on the set of a television series.

In a post shared Monday on the Instagram account for her lifestyle brand, Modern Prairie, the actress acknowledged what she described as an “extraordinarily difficult” period for her family, while avoiding direct reference to the charges. “This season has reminded me how important it is to slow down, prioritize what truly matters, and allow space for rest and reflection,” Gilbert wrote. “Stepping back from the noise and the news can give us the clarity and grounding we need during uncertain times.”

Gilbert also thanked supporters for their messages of encouragement, adding that she plans to return to her work gradually. “I’ll be easing back into things thoughtfully and with care, moving forward one step at a time,” she said.

The statement followed an emotional court appearance last week, during which Gilbert was seen in tears as an Albuquerque judge ordered Busfield’s release from custody pending trial. The couple, who married in 2013, have largely retreated from public view since the allegations emerged. Gilbert deactivated her personal social media accounts shortly after Busfield’s arrest.

Busfield, 68, best known for his work on The West Wing and Thirtysomething, was arrested earlier this month on charges including sexual contact with a minor and child abuse. He has denied all allegations, calling them “horrible lies.”

The accusations stem from Busfield’s time as an executive producer and director on The Cleaning Lady, which was filmed in New Mexico. According to an arrest warrant, Busfield allegedly engaged in inappropriate physical contact with twin child actors beginning when they were approximately seven years old. One of the children later disclosed to a therapist that Busfield had touched him over his clothing between takes.

Local authorities first opened an investigation in November 2024 after receiving concerns that the children may have been groomed. The case gained renewed momentum late last year following the disclosure made during therapy sessions. Busfield subsequently traveled from New York to New Mexico to surrender to authorities after a warrant was issued.

During a hearing last week, Busfield’s legal team submitted more than 80 letters of support and an adult psychosexual evaluation describing him as “very low risk.” The report stated that Busfield did not appear to exhibit sexual attraction to minors.

Judge David Murphy granted Busfield’s release, citing the lack of prior allegations involving children and concluding that prosecutors had not demonstrated that Busfield posed an imminent threat to the community. The case remains pending.

Gilbert, who rose to fame as a child actor on Little House on the Prairie, has not commented further on the legal proceedings. Busfield’s attorneys continue to maintain his innocence as the case moves forward.