Actress Melissa Gilbert has taken the step of deactivating her high-profile Instagram account in the wake of serious criminal allegations against her husband, actor and director Timothy Busfield. The move comes after authorities in New Mexico issued an arrest warrant for Busfield on Friday, accusing him of sexual offences involving minors.
Arrest Warrant Alleges Sexual Contact with Minors
An arrest warrant was signed by a judge on Friday, charging 68-year-old Timothy Busfield with two counts of criminal sexual contact of a minor. The warrant alleges that the Emmy-winning figure engaged in sexual conduct with two young boys. According to a criminal complaint filed by an investigator with the Albuquerque Police Department, a child came forward to report that Busfield had touched him inappropriately.
The incidents are said to have taken place on the set of the television series The Cleaning Lady, where Busfield both directed and acted. The alleged abuse occurred between January 2022 and June 2025. The child stated the abuse began when he was just seven years old, with Busfield allegedly touching him three or four times at that age, and a further five or six times when he was eight.
Details of the Allegations and Family Reaction
An account from People magazine, citing the arrest warrant, indicates that the alleged victims are 11-year-old twins. The identities of the children are being withheld from the public. Their mother reported the suspected abuse to Child Protective Services, stating it occurred between November 2022 and the spring of 2024.
Melissa Gilbert, 61, who has been married to Busfield since 2013, removed her Instagram profile shortly after the warrant was made public. This action is particularly notable given that just last November, Gilbert used the same platform to speak out against child abuse. She posted a childhood photo of herself from her time on Little House on the Prairie, reflecting on being a young actress expected to film mature scenes with an older co-star.
A Contrasting Personal Stance and Public Fallout
The situation presents a stark contrast between Gilbert's recent public advocacy and the serious allegations now facing her spouse. Her decision to deactivate her social media presence is widely seen as a direct response to the escalating legal crisis.
The Albuquerque Police Department's investigation remains active. The issued warrant enables law enforcement to apprehend Busfield to face the formal charges. The entertainment industry, where both Gilbert and Busfield have long-standing careers, is likely to watch the case's progression closely, given its severe nature and the high-profile individuals involved.
