Melissa Gilbert Stands by Husband Timothy Busfield in Child Abuse Case
In a deeply emotional and revealing interview, Melissa Gilbert has broken her silence to defend her husband, actor Timothy Busfield, who is facing serious child sexual abuse charges in New Mexico. The former Little House on the Prairie star described the situation as the most traumatizing experience of their lives, asserting that Busfield is the last person who would ever harm a child.
Gilbert's Heartfelt Defense on Good Morning America
During a preview of an interview set to air on Good Morning America, Gilbert told host George Stephanopoulos that she believes Busfield, whom she married in 2013, is innocent. She emphasized that if he were guilty, the personal consequences from her would be more severe than any prison sentence. Gilbert stated, "This has been the most traumatizing experience of our lives – our life as we knew it is done." She added that even if exonerated, Busfield's reputation is irreparably damaged, calling him "canceled" forever.
Details of the Allegations Against Busfield
The charges stem from an indictment by a grand jury in Albuquerque, New Mexico, in early February, accusing Busfield of four counts of criminal sexual contact with a child. According to court documents, the alleged incidents occurred between November 2022 and spring 2024 on the set of the TV series The Cleaning Lady, where Busfield worked as a director and actor. The accusations involve inappropriate touching of a young boy over his clothing when the child was seven and eight years old, with the boy's twin brother also reporting similar alleged encounters.
Busfield's Response and Legal History
Busfield, 68, has pleaded not guilty to all charges and dismissed the allegations as "all lies" in a video shared with TMZ. However, prosecutors have highlighted a pattern of past misconduct allegations against him, including:
- A 1994 incident where a 17-year-old extra on Little Big League claimed Busfield assaulted her after serving alcohol; he settled privately and was ordered to pay $150,000 in costs.
- An allegation from 2012 that he fondled a 28-year-old woman at a Los Angeles movie theater, which he called consensual and did not result in legal action.
- A prior matter at Sacramento's B Street Theatre, where he was accused of groping a 16-year-old girl during an audition, resolved with therapy and no police involvement.
Gilbert's Decision to Speak Out
When asked by Stephanopoulos why she chose to speak publicly now, Gilbert simply replied, "It's time." She had previously issued a statement supporting her husband but avoided further comment on legal advice. Busfield is currently out of custody and awaiting a trial tentatively scheduled for May 2027, as the case continues to unfold amid intense media scrutiny.
