Melissa Gilbert Breaks Silence Following Husband's Release from Custody
Melissa Gilbert has issued a heartfelt public statement after her husband, actor Timothy Busfield, was released from custody pending his trial on serious child sex abuse charges. The Little House on the Prairie star, 51, was seen weeping with relief in an Albuquerque courtroom last week when a judge ruled the 68-year-old West Wing actor could be released on his own recognizance.
Emotional Instagram Statement and Courtroom Relief
Gilbert, who has remained steadfastly supportive of Busfield throughout the ordeal, took to her fashion brand's Instagram page to share a contemplative message with her followers. Alongside a photo of herself gazing into the distance, she wrote a lengthy note expressing gratitude during what she described as an "extraordinarily difficult time."
"I’m sending you all my love and gratitude during this extraordinarily difficult time," Gilbert wrote. "Not only for Tim, me and our family, but in the collective heaviness so many of us seem to be carrying right now. Add an unexpected storm to the mix, and it can all feel like a bit too much."
She continued by reflecting on the importance of slowing down and prioritising what truly matters, while thanking her community for their ongoing support. "Thank you, truly, for the love, patience, and support you continue to show Tim and me," she added, flashing her wedding bands in the accompanying image.
During the January 20 hearing, Gilbert was accompanied by her 89-year-old mother Barbara Cowan, her 30-year-old son Michael Boxleitner, and Busfield's civil lawyer Larry Stein. When the judge announced the release decision, a visibly emotional Gilbert clasped her hands and whispered, "Thank you, God."
Release Conditions and Serious Charges
Busfield's release comes with strict conditions imposed by the court. While permitted to leave New Mexico and return home, he must:
- Appear at all future court proceedings
- Keep the court informed of his whereabouts
- Have no contact with the alleged victims or their families
- Have no unsupervised contact with any minor children
- Refrain from possessing firearms or weapons
- Avoid consuming alcohol or illegal drugs
He remains under the supervision of Albuquerque pretrial services. The actor and director was officially charged on January 13 with two counts of criminal sexual contact of a minor under 13 and one count of child abuse.
The allegations stem from incidents involving twin boys, aged seven and eight at the time, who were child actors on the set of Fox's The Cleaning Lady. Busfield directed the series from 2022 to 2024.
Busfield's Denial and Gilbert's Unwavering Support
Busfield has vehemently denied all charges, telling TMZ in a video statement: "They're all lies and I did not do anything to those little boys and I'm gonna fight it. I'm gonna fight it with a great team, and I'm gonna be exonerated, I know I am, because this is all so wrong and all lies."
Ahead of the pretrial detention hearing, Gilbert penned an emotional letter of support to the judge, describing Busfield as "my love, my rock, my partner in business and life." She wrote passionately about his character, stating: "Tim has the strongest moral compass of any human I have ever known. He has dedicated his spiritual self to always being of service to others."
She concluded the letter with a poignant plea: "I only want this extraordinary man safe and whole. So, I will close by asking you to please, please, take care of my sweet husband."
Family's Ongoing Ordeal and Legal Proceedings
A source close to the family revealed to People magazine that "the past week has been a nightmare for Melissa," noting her particular concern about Busfield's safety in the detention facility, which has faced previous safety complaints.
Following Busfield's release, his civil lawyer Larry Stein told outlets that while his clients were "extremely relieved" by the judge's ruling, they remain "still in shock" and "still distressed," taking things "one day at a time."
Gilbert has indicated she intends to attend all future hearings while maintaining a strong support system. The couple, who married in April 2013, face a challenging legal battle ahead as the case progresses through the New Mexico court system.
