Melissa Gilbert has publicly expressed her steadfast support for her husband, Timothy Busfield, as he faces serious charges of child sex abuse. Busfield, known for his role in *The West Wing*, was arrested following allegations of unlawful sexual conduct involving two minors. On January 13, 2023, he turned himself in to authorities after the Albuquerque Police Department issued an arrest warrant on January 9.
In a statement shared through her company, Modern Prairie, Gilbert reflected on the challenges they are currently facing. She stated, “I’m sending you all my love and gratitude during this extraordinarily difficult time,” acknowledging not just their family’s struggles but also the collective burden shared by many.
Gilbert, who starred in *Little House on the Prairie*, has been seen supporting Busfield in court as he faces two counts of criminal sexual contact with a minor and one count of child abuse. The victims, both 11-year-old boys, were reportedly child actors who met Busfield while he served as a director on the FOX series *The Cleaning Lady*. Their identities have been withheld from public disclosure.
In her Instagram post, Gilbert emphasized the importance of taking time to “slow down, prioritize what truly matters, and allow ourselves moments of rest.” She conveyed her appreciation for the support they have received during this tumultuous period, stating, “Thank you for helping me to feel safer, more grounded, and deeply held by this extraordinary community of women here at Modern Prairie.”
Despite the serious nature of the allegations, Busfield was released from jail on January 20, 2023, while awaiting trial. Prosecutors had initially sought to keep him in custody, but he was allowed to return home. Prior to his arrest, Busfield maintained his innocence in a video obtained by TMZ.
In her message, Gilbert promised to “ease back into things thoughtfully and with care — moving forward one step at a time,” and hinted at more updates to come. Her commitment to her family and community remains strong as they navigate these challenges together.
