Melissa Gilbert has finally spoken out about her husband Timothy Busfield’s child sex abuse charges.
The “Little House on the Prairie” actress, 61, released a statement Monday on her company Modern Prairie’s Instagram account and addressed the scandal publicly for the first time.
“I’m sending you all my love and gratitude during this extraordinarily difficult time,” she began her message. “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.”
“This season has reminded me, very clearly, how important it is to slow down, prioritize what truly matters, and allow ourselves moments of rest,” Gilbert continued. “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.”
The “Miracle Worker” star thanked her followers “for the love, patience, and support” that they’ve showed her and Busfield, 68, following the shocking charges.
“Thank you for helping me to feel safer, more grounded, and deeply held by this extraordinary community of women here at Modern Prairie,” Gilbert added. “I’ll be easing back into things thoughtfully and with care – moving forward one step at a time. More to come, and so much gratitude always.”
The post featured a photo of Gilbert staring out the window while holding a cup of coffee.
Busfield has been charged with two counts of criminal sexual contact of a minor and one count of child abuse for allegedly inappropriately touching two child actors on the Fox series “The Cleaning Lady,” which he has denied doing.
The abuse allegedly began in 2022 when the two young actors, both boys, were just 7 years old, according to court documents.
An investigation began in November 2024 after a physician notified cops that they suspected sexual abuse and grooming after examining one of the children at the University of New Mexico Hospital, the criminal complaint said.
Busfield has also been accused by prosecutors in Bernalillo County, New Mexico of sexually abusing a 16-year-old girl “several years ago” in Sacramento, Calif., in a motion filed Jan. 14.
The “West Wing” alum had a two-hour pretrial detention hearing in New Mexico on Jan. 20. Gilbert was there and cried when the judge decided Busfield could be released with conditions ahead of his trial.
Gilbert is also one of 75 people who wrote letters of support for her husband to the judge.
“The reality is that Tim Busfield is my love, my rock, my partner in business and life. He is my comfort and my council. His joy, humor and quick wit bring sparkle to my life. Tim is, quite simply, the beating heart of our wild and wonderful extended family,” Gilbert wrote.
She also said Busfield “has the strongest moral compass of any human I have ever known” and “has dedicated his spiritual self to always being of service to others.”
Gilbert and Busfield have been married since 2013. They share five children from their respective previous relationships.
