Melissa Gilbert Speaks Out in Defense of Husband Timothy Busfield
In a highly emotional and revealing interview, former Little House on the Prairie star Melissa Gilbert has publicly defended her husband, actor Timothy Busfield, against serious child sexual abuse charges. This marks her first public statement since Busfield was indicted by a grand jury in Albuquerque, New Mexico, in early February.
"The Last Person in the World Who Would Hurt a Child"
During a preview of an interview scheduled to air on Good Morning America, Gilbert told host George Stephanopoulos that she firmly believes Busfield is "the last person in the world who would hurt a child." The couple, married since 2013, has faced what Gilbert described as "the most traumatizing experience of our lives," with their previous plans and dreams now shattered.
Gilbert emphasized that even if Busfield is exonerated, his reputation is permanently damaged. "He's canceled and this will never – even if he's exonerated, he will always be that guy," she stated, highlighting the irreversible impact of the allegations on their personal and professional lives.
Details of the Charges and Past Allegations
Busfield, 68, faces four counts of criminal sexual contact of a child, with accusations stemming from incidents alleged to have occurred between November 2022 and spring 2024 on the set of the TV series The Cleaning Lady, where he worked as a director and actor. The charges 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 has pleaded not guilty and dismissed the accusations as "all lies" in a video statement. However, prosecutors have cited a pattern of misconduct, including:
- A 1994 allegation from a 17-year-old extra on the movie Little Big League, who claimed Busfield assaulted her after serving her alcohol. Busfield settled this privately but was ordered to pay $150,000 in costs.
- A 2012 incident where a 28-year-old woman alleged Busfield fondled her at a Los Angeles movie theater, though no legal action was taken as Busfield claimed it was consensual.
- An earlier allegation from a 16-year-old girl at Sacramento's B Street Theatre, which concluded with therapy and an agreement not to involve police.
Legal Proceedings and Gilbert's Decision to Speak
Gilbert's interview comes after she previously issued a statement supporting her husband but avoided public comments on legal advice. When asked by Stephanopoulos why she is now speaking out, Gilbert simply replied, "It's time." Busfield is tentatively scheduled for trial in May 2027 and has been granted pretrial release outside of New Mexico custody.
The case has drawn significant attention due to Busfield's notable career, including roles in Revenge of the Nerds, The West Wing, and Field of Dreams, as well as his Emmy win for Thirtysomething. Gilbert's defense underscores the personal toll of such high-profile legal battles, as she and Busfield navigate the fallout from these grave accusations while maintaining his innocence.
