Melissa Gilbert has voiced her feelings following the release of her husband, Timothy Busfield, who was in custody awaiting trial for child sex abuse allegations.
The 68-year-old actor, known for his role in “West Wing,” was released from the Metropolitan Detention Center in Albuquerque, New Mexico, last Tuesday after a week-long detention. Gilbert, famous for her part in “Little House on the Prairie,” was visibly emotional in the courtroom, shedding tears of happiness.
Gilbert, unwavering in her support for Busfield, expressed her gratitude to fans via a message on her fashion brand’s social media. She also showcased her wedding rings in the post.
In a reflective image of herself gazing thoughtfully into the distance, she wrote, “I send you all my love and appreciation during this tremendously challenging period. It’s not only difficult for Tim, myself, and our family but also seems to be a heavy time for many of us.”
She continued, “When an unexpected storm hits, everything feels overwhelming.”
Gilbert concluded by saying, “This season has sharply reminded me of the importance of slowing down, focusing on what truly matters, and granting ourselves time to rest.”
‘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.
Melissa Gilbert has spoken out after her husband Timothy Busfield was released from custody ahead of a trial on child sex abuse charges – pictured 2023
Gilbert, who has remained steadfast in her support for Busfield, took to Instagram to share a statement on her fashion brand’s page thanking fans for their support – and showing off her wedding ring
Gilbert wept and whispered, ‘Thank you, God’ when the judge ruled that her husband should be released from jail on his own recognizance last week
‘Thank you, truly, for the love, patience, and support you continue to show Tim and me.
‘Thank you for helping me to feel safer, more grounded, and deeply held by this extraordinary community of women here at Modern Prairie.
‘I’ll be easing back into things thoughtfully and with care – moving forward one step at a time. More to come, and so much gratitude always.’
Busfield was released on January 20. Gilbert has stood firmly beside her husband, whom she wed in April 2013, since he turned himself into police on January 13.
At the hearing on January 20, Gilbert was there in the courtroom audience surrounded by her 89-year-old mom Barbara Cowan, her 30-year-old son Michael Boxleitner and Busfield’s civil lawyer Larry Stein.
When the judge announced his ruling that Busfield should be released on his own recognizance, a teary Gilbert clasped her hands and whispered, ‘Thank you, God.’
Busfield’s reprieve comes with a list of conditions. While he is allowed to leave New Mexico to live at home, he must appear at all court proceedings and keep the court informed of his whereabouts.
He remains under the supervision of the Albuquerque pretrial services. He must have no contact with the alleged victims or their families and no unsupervised contact with any minor children, and he is forbidden from possessing any firearms or weapons, or consuming alcohol or illegal drugs.
On January 13, the actor and director best known for the West Wing and thirtysomething was officially charged with two counts of criminal sexual contact of a minor – child under 13 – and one count of child abuse.
The charges stem from allegations that he inappropriately touched two twin boys – seven and eight at the time – who were child actors on the set of Fox’s The Cleaning Lady, which Busfield directed from 2022 to 2024.
Alongside a contemplative photo of her staring off into the distance, she wrote: ‘ I’m sending you all my love and gratitude during this extraordinarily difficult time. Not only for Tim, me and our family, but in the collective heaviness so many of us seem to be carrying right now’
The actor and director was seen glancing at his devoted wife at the start of the January 20 hearing
The LIttle House on the Prairie star believes Busfield is innocent and is standing by his side through the ‘nightmare’
Gilbert intends to attend all future hearings while keeping a strong support system in place; pictured in January 2025
Busfield vehemently denied the charges in a video statement to TMZ.
‘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,’ he said.
Before his pretrial detention hearing, Gilbert penned an emotional letter of support for Busfield to the judge on the case.
‘The reality is that Tim Busfield is my love, my rock, my partner in business and life,’ Gilbert wrote. ‘He is my comfort and my council. His joy, humor and quick wit bring sparkle to my life. Tim is, quite simply, the beating heart of our wild and wonderful extended family.’
She added, ‘I can tell you, and anyone, that I know Tim better and more intimately than anything in his life ever has. Conversely, he knows me in the same way.
‘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. He starts every day with kindness and compassion.’
Gilbert continued: ‘I am trying to tow a line between logic and all the feelings swirling through me. I began this letter with logic, but now the feelings have taken over. I can’t help it.
‘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.
‘As he is my protector, I am his, but I cannot protect him now and I think that, more than anything else, is what is truly breaking my heart, I am relying on your to protect him for me.’
Ahead of the hearing, a source told People that ‘the past week has been a nightmare for Melissa.’
‘She’s very concerned about Tim in jail. She wants him out so he’s safe. The detention facility where he’s being held has safety issue complaints. Her focus is to try and get him out this week,’ the source described.
Upon’s Busfield’s release, his civil lawyer Larry Stein told the outlet that his clients were extremely relieved following the judge’s ruling but noted they’re ‘still in shock’ and ‘still distressed’ and taking ‘one day at a time.’
