{"id":435888,"date":"2026-01-27T06:30:08","date_gmt":"2026-01-27T06:30:08","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/435888\/"},"modified":"2026-01-27T06:30:08","modified_gmt":"2026-01-27T06:30:08","slug":"melissa-gilbert-speaks-out-amid-timothy-busfields-abuse-allegations","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/435888\/","title":{"rendered":"Melissa Gilbert Speaks Out Amid Timothy Busfield’s Abuse Allegations"},"content":{"rendered":"

\n\tMelissa Gilbert<\/a> is speaking out amid her husband Timothy Busfield<\/a>\u2018s recent child sexual abuse allegations<\/a>.<\/p>\n

\n\tThe Little House on the Prairie alum took to the lifestyle company Modern Prairie\u2019s Instagram<\/a> on Monday, which she co-founded in 2022, to share her appreciation for her fans during \u201cthe extraordinarily difficult time.\u201d<\/p>\n

\n\t\u201cI\u2019m sending you all my love and gratitude during this extraordinarily difficult time. Not only for Tim, me and our family, but in the collective heaviness so many of us seem to be carrying right now. Add an unexpected storm to the mix, and it can all feel like a bit too much,\u201d Gilbert wrote. \u201cThis season has reminded me, very clearly, how important it is to slow down, prioritize what truly matters, and allow ourselves moments of rest. Stepping back from the noise, the news, and even our daily responsibilities from time to time gives us space to recharge, reflect, and find our center again.\u201d<\/p>\n

\n\tShe continued, \u201cThank you, truly, for the love, patience, and support you continue to show Tim and me. Thank you for helping me to feel safer, more grounded, and deeply held by this extraordinary community of women here at Modern Prairie. I\u2019ll be easing back into things thoughtfully and with care \u2013 moving forward one step at a time. More to come, and so much gratitude always.\u201d<\/p>\n

\n\tOn Jan. 9, an\u00a0arrest warrant was issued<\/a>\u00a0for Busfield for conduct involving children that allegedly happened on the set of Fox\u2019s\u00a0The Cleaning Lady,\u00a0THR\u00a0previously confirmed.\u00a0Busfield later turned himself in<\/a>\u00a0to authorities in Albuquerque, New Mexico.<\/p>\n

\n\tHe has been charged with\u00a0two counts of criminal sexual contact of a minor and child abuse following an investigation of sexual abuse involving two male minors on the drama, which he directed several episodes for as well as played a small part in one episode.<\/p>\n

\n\tFollowing a court hearing on Tuesday, a judge ruled that the actor and director can be released from jail <\/a>while he awaits trial\u00a0on the charges.<\/p>\n

\n\tWhile\u00a0The West Wing alum\u00a0has\u00a0claimed his innocence<\/a>\u00a0of the allegations, he has also been hit with a\u00a0second sexual abuse allegation<\/a>. According to a prosecution filing, Busfield is accused of groping a teenage girl when she was auditioning for a role several years ago at the B Street Theatre in Sacramento, California.<\/p>\n

\n\tBusfield previously faced sexual abuse allegations from a 17-year-old extra working on the 1994 film,\u00a0Little Big League, which he directed. He settled with that accuser. And in 2012, another woman claimed that he groped her on a date, but charges were never filed against him at the time.<\/p>\n

\n\tAmid Busfield\u2019s new accusations,\u00a0his talent agency, Innovative Artists<\/a>, has ceased working with him. An\u00a0episode of\u00a0Law & Order: SVU\u00a0<\/a>in which\u00a0he guest stars has also been pulled, and his role has been edited out<\/a> of Amazon MGM\u2019s upcoming rom-com,\u00a0You Deserve Each Other.<\/p>\n

\n\tGilbert and Busfield have been married since 2013. The former SAG president previously shared<\/a> in a statement, via her representative, that she would not be \u201cmaking public statements at this time\u201d and is \u201chonoring the request of Tim\u2019s lawyers not to speak publicly while the legal process unfolds.\u201d<\/p>\n