Emmy winner Timothy Busfield turned himself in to authorities on Jan. 13, as he faces allegations of child sex abuse, and his wife, Melissa Gilbert, has now returned to social media to address the situation.
Gilbert Expresses Gratitude Amid Family Scrutiny
The “Little House on the Prairie” star shared a message of reflection and thanks on Monday, acknowledging an “extraordinarily difficult time.”
Gilbert, 61, issued a statement on the Instagram page of her lifestyle brand, Modern Prairie, after seemingly deactivating her personal Instagram account earlier this month when the allegations surfaced. “This season has reminded me, very clearly, how important it is to slow down, prioritize what truly matters, and allow ourselves moments of rest,” she wrote, accompanying a photo of herself sitting thoughtfully on a couch. “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.”
According to an affidavit, one child actor alleged Busfield inappropriately touched his “private areas” multiple times on set when he was 7 years old, and again several times when he was 8. During a police interview, Busfield reportedly suggested the boys’ mother may have been seeking “revenge” for him not recasting her children for the final season of the show.
Modern Prairie previously released a statement distancing itself from the claims, stating, “Modern Prairie unequivocally condemns abuse in all forms and remains committed to values of safety, integrity, and respect.”
Busfield denied the allegations, calling them “horrible” and asserting, “I did not do anything to those little boys.” He was initially jailed at the Metropolitan Detention Center in Albuquerque on Jan. 13 but was released on his own recognizance on Jan. 20. Gilbert was visibly emotional at the hearing, reportedly saying, “Thank you, God” when the judge made the decision.
Gilbert expressed her gratitude to the Modern Prairie community for their support, saying they helped her “feel safer, more grounded, and deeply held.” She indicated she would be returning to her work “thoughtfully and with care — moving forward one step at a time.”
Busfield is known for his roles in “The West Wing” and “Thirtysomething.” He has three adult children from previous marriages and is the stepfather to Gilbert’s two adult sons.
