The ‘Little House on the Prairie’ 50th Anniversary Podcast referenced a “tough week” during the Thursday, Jan. 15 episode as Melissa Gilbert, who played Laura Ingalls Wilder, has been thrown into the news.
The Hallmark star’s husband, Timothy Busfield, has been charged with child sex abuse in New Mexico, having recently turned himself in to the Albuquerque Police Department, four days after a warrant was released for his arrest.
“Let me just say this: This has been a tough week in the U.S. of A.,” host Pamela Bob said on the podcast. “And I was so glad to watch Little House on the Prairie to feel comforted and warm, and safe, and like there is love and compassion in this universe. So, yay, Little House.”
“We always talk about being a safe space,” she continued. “But this week, I really, really… There are some weeks you watch it, and you’re like, ‘I’m just watching Little House on the Prairie, and then there are some weeks you need to watch Little House on the Prairie to restore your faith in humanity. This is that for me this week.”
There was no direct mention of Busfield or Gilbert.
Melissa Gilbert’s Representative & Business Issue Statements
Following news of the allegations against Busfield, Gilbert’s representative Ame Van Iden issued a statement on her 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.”
The page for Gilbert’s lifestyle brand also released its own statement on Instagram.
“Modern Prairie is aware of recent media reports regarding serious allegations involving a family member of our brand muse, Melissa Gilbert. These allegations do not involve Modern Prairie, our operations, nor our community,” the post read. “Modern Prairie unequivocally condemns abuse in all forms and remains committed to values of safety, integrity, and respect.”
“While these matters are personal and do not directly involve Melissa or the brand, we are respecting the privacy of the family as they navigate a difficult and personal situation. Our focus remains on supporting our community and continuing our work with care, responsibility, and intention,” they concluded.
Melissa Gilbert Canceled A Recent Event
GettyGilbert was scheduled to participate in a question-and-answer virtual event with fans on on January 16, but the event was canceled due to the allegations and legal issues with her husband.
