Hallmark‘s “When Calls the Heart” guest star Melissa Gilbert will not do a virtual event that was scheduled to take place on January 16.
Gilbert, who is the co-founder of the company Modern Prairie, was slated to do a question-and-answer virtual event with fans. However, that will no longer be happening as scheduled.
The cancellation comes amid allegations and legal issues related to Gilbert’s husband, Timothy Busfield.
Despite the event cancellation, fans of the “Little House on the Prairie” alum continue to share their support for her online.
In the wake of the cancellation, one Facebook user shared, “Don’t cancel her because of her husband’s problems. Cancel culture is so cruel. A fair investigation and facts [are] what is required.”
Melissa Gilbert’s Company, Modern Prairie, Cited Scheduling Conflicts for the Cancellation
Up through January 13, the next event listed on the Modern Prairie website was one involving Gilbert. However, the website no longer lists the event. Currently, of the events that remain scheduled on the site, none directly involve Gilbert.
A banner across the top of the website, however, still teased, “Join Melissa LIVE during our upcoming events! RSVP Now!”
According to People, the event was titled “Ask Melissa Anything.” Modern Prairie described it as a “virtual Q&A” with Gilbert.
In an email sent to Modern Prairie subscribers on January 14, the brand shared that an “unexpected scheduling change” had occurred. That meant that “Melissa will not be available” for the scheduled virtual Q&A.
The brand added, “We know many of you were looking forward to gathering together, and we truly appreciate your understanding as we respect Melissa’s need for privacy and space.”
The email indicated that Modern Prairie hoped to reschedule the virtual Q&A. The company promised to share details when they became available.
“Thank you for continuing to show care, empathy, and support within our community,” Modern Prairie added.
Fans Continue to Send Love & Support to Gilbert
On People’s Facebook post about the cancellation, numerous fans posted supportive notes directed toward Gilbert.
One comment read, “My heart is broken for her. Her whole world is shattered. She has been happy with him…I hope for her sake he is not guilty.”
Another person wrote, “I think the only reason Melissa Gilbert is being dragged into this is because her name and her history is way bigger than his…They need to leave Melissa Gilbert out of this.”
Someone else added, “Leave her alone. Why would she want to face people they will attack her.”
An additional Facebook comment read, “We’re with you Melissa [you’re] in our prayers!!!”
The ‘When Calls the Heart’ Star Stands by Her Husband
The event cancellation comes less than a day after Modern Prairie posted a statement related to Gilbert’s situation.
The statement on the company’s social media pages referenced a personal situation that Gilbert and her family are navigating. Modern Prairie noted that they were “respecting the privacy of the family as they navigate a difficult and personal situation.”
As TMZ reported, on January 13, Gilbert’s husband, actor and director Timothy Busfield, surrendered himself to the authorities in Albuquerque, New Mexico.
Busfield’s surrender came days after authorities in Bernalillo County filed a criminal complaint and arrest warrant, as Deadline reported. The document contained allegations against Busfield for child abuse and criminal sexual contact. The complaints tie to when Busfield worked in New Mexico on the series “The Cleaning Lady.”
After Busfield surrendered to the authorities, Gilbert’s representative released a statement to People. Ame Van Iden stated that Gilbert’s “focus is on supporting and caring for their very large family, as they navigate this moment.”
Van Iden added, “Melissa stands with and supports her husband.”
