Melissa Gilbert Speaks After Husband Timothy Busfield Charged
Gilbert posted a Jan. 26 statement saying she will 'ease back into things' as Busfield faces two felony counts and one child abuse charge.
Overview
Actress Melissa Gilbert posted a statement through her company Modern Prairie on Jan. 26 saying she will "ease back into things" as her husband, actor Timothy Busfield, 68, faces two felony counts of criminal sexual contact of a minor and one count of child abuse in New Mexico, according to court documents.
Prosecutors allege the alleged misconduct occurred while Busfield worked on the Fox series The Cleaning Lady and began when twin child actors born in 2014 were about seven, according to an arrest warrant.
Timothy Busfield denied the allegations, calling them "horrible lies" in a video he recorded before turning himself in, his lawyers said.
Judge David Murphy ordered Busfield's release pending trial after considering more than 80 letters of support and an adult psychosexual evaluation that described Busfield as "very low risk," court filings show.
The investigation, which Albuquerque officials initially opened in November 2024 and which some reports say was later reopened in September 2025 after a medical or therapist referral, remains active with no trial date set and Gilbert said she will step back from public life while the legal process continues.
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FAQ
Timothy Busfield faces two counts of criminal sexual contact with a minor and one count of child abuse.
Melissa Gilbert posted a statement on January 26 via her company Modern Prairie, expressing gratitude to fans, discussing the difficult time, and stating she will 'ease back into things' thoughtfully.
Busfield surrendered to authorities on January 13, was charged, and released from custody in New Mexico on January 20 pending trial.
Timothy Busfield denied the allegations, calling them 'horrible lies' in a video recorded before turning himself in, according to his lawyers.
