Television actress Melissa Gilbert has faced significant backlash for continuing to promote her lifestyle brand on social media while her husband, actor Timothy Busfield, faces serious criminal charges. Busfield, 68, is accused of inappropriately touching twin boys on the set of the television series The Cleaning Lady during filming from 2022 until 2024.
Social Media Promotion Amid Legal Crisis
Gilbert, 61, who shot to fame on Little House on the Prairie, has been actively posting content for her brand, Modern Prairie. This week, she shared a post on the brand's Instagram account detailing the contents of her refrigerator, listing items like "butter, eggs, milk, veggies, the building blocks of magical meals." This business-as-usual approach has drawn sharp criticism from commentators and followers alike, given the gravity of the allegations against her spouse.
Leading the critique was broadcaster Megyn Kelly on her SiriusXM show. Kelly described Gilbert as a "Meghan Markle wannabe with her little homestyle brand" and noted that while Gilbert had deleted her personal social media accounts, she remained active on her brand's channel. "Now she’s posting on her lifestyle brand all about what’s in her refrigerator," Kelly stated, arguing that attempts to distance Gilbert from the allegations are misleading.
Legal Proceedings and Character Defence
Busfield has denied any wrongdoing but is currently being held without bond. His legal team filed a motion against this detention following a court appearance earlier this week, arguing prosecutors lack proof that the community would be in danger if he was released. The motion included several letters of support from Hollywood colleagues and co-stars attesting to Busfield's character.
In a personal plea, Gilbert asked the judge to "protect" her husband, calling him a "compassionate and honorable" man. The legal filings also contained intimate details about the couple's private life, stating they have a "satisfying sex life" but "enjoy cuddling more than sex," and noting Busfield last masturbated six months ago.
Busfield's attorneys claim the allegations are financially motivated, emerging only after the two boys lost their roles on the show. They cited a prior Warner Bros. investigation that found the allegations to be unfounded, a detail they say prosecutors omitted from the criminal complaint.
Public and Corporate Response
The public reaction to Gilbert's continued promotional activity has been largely negative. Online, one person commented, "Maybe take a break from the socials marketing for a bit." Another questioned, "How do you trust?" referring to the couple's grandchildren.
In response to the scandal, Modern Prairie released an official statement. The company asserted that the allegations "do not involve Modern Prairie, our operations, nor our community" and that they are respecting the family's privacy. The statement concluded, "Modern Prairie unequivocally condemns abuse in all forms and remains committed to values of safety, integrity, and respect."
The case has its roots in a dramatic raid on the couple's secluded home in the Catskills, where heavily armed US Marshals used a battering ram to smash open the front door. Busfield, charged with sexual contact with a minor, is due back in court on January 20, when a judge will decide whether he must remain in custody until trial.
