Hallmark star and “Little House on the Prairie” alum Melissa Gilbert has broken her silence after her husband, Timothy Busfield, was charged with sex abuse in New Mexico. This comes after Busfield turned himself in to the Albuquerque Police Department, four days after a warrant was released for his arrest.
The actresses representative Ame Van Iden issued a statement on Gilbert’s behalf.
“Melissa Gilbert is not making public statements at this time,” the statement said, according to PEOPLE. “Any purported ‘statements’ circulating online — including AI-generated deepfakes of her ‘breaking her silence’ — should not be treated as coming from her.”
“She is honoring the request of Tim’s lawyers not to speak publicly while the legal process unfolds,” the statement continued. “During this period, her focus is on supporting and caring for their very large family, as they navigate this moment. Melissa stands with and supports her husband and will address the public at an appropriate time. We ask that their privacy be respected.”
In a video obtained by TMZ on Jan. 13, Busfield also denied the allegations against him, calling them “all lies.”
On January 9, the County of Bernalillo in New Mexico filed an arrest warrant affidavit listing Busfield as the defendant. The legal filing indicates that the criminal complaint relates to two charges of criminal sexual contact of a minor and child abuse.
Melissa Gilbert Deactivated Her Instagram Page
On January 10, Gilbert deactivated her Instagram page, which many correlated with her husband’s legal situation.
However, the page for her lifestyle brand, Modern Prairie, remains active, and many fans left comments on a recent post, showing support for the actress.
“Standing beside you with support and love. ❤️,” one person wrote.
“Prayers for peace during this time. ❤️,” another person commented.
“You are a beautiful soul, prayers for you and your family ❤️🙏,” someone posted.
Melissa Gilbert Interview Resurfaces Amid Husband’s Legal Troubles
On December 22, Gilbert went on New York’s PIX11 News to talk about her work, but during the segment, she was asked about her husband.
“He is a big deal, you know, an Emmy Award-winning actor and brilliant director … He is the best human on the planet. Every day, I count my blessings that I met this extraordinarily supportive partner,” Gilbert said.
“We were having a conversation with friends at dinner the other night,” she continued, “about how nice it is, finally, at this age, for both of us to have a relationship that’s easy. Having done complicated for so many years.”
It pains me to say this but Hallmark needs to remove all of Melissa Gilbert scenes from
When Calls the Heart until after this sad mess with her husband is done.
Sadly Melissa brought Christmas gifts for the two boys in question this is much bigger than the college admission scandal with Lori.
I agree. Thank you.
I don’t believe she should be removed. She isn’t accused of anything. Remember we are all innocent until proved guilty.
That said, I do not like her for political reasons. Sadly she and her husband are on the other end now. The end that always says Trump is guilty no matter what.
Why should she be removed? why should she be punished for what someone else may or may not have done. So what that she bought Christmas gifts, that does not make her guilty of anything. She’s not even apart of the investigation or the alligations. She’s innocent. But people like you want to punish her for someone else’s wrong doings because she’s married to the person. How low can you get? Its digusting and you should be ashamed of yourself and anyone esle who agrees with you.
Hollywooders suck, cowards , not to speak up for some innocent boy or girl or for a woman. By being molested by the big powerful executives , they got the power to build them up or destroy their careers if the coworking cowards would speak up it could stop some of it. I will not watch the show when Melissa Gilbert is in the scenes. Never liked her acting abilities. It has nothing to do with her husband being charged with molesting ?? those kids. If he’s guilty he should go to jail.
You’re an ass!
If my husband were accused of something so vile my first call would be to a lawyer. Standing beside shows she knew and did nothing. She’s as disgusting as he is