Melissa Gilbert is speaking publicly for the first time as her husband, actor Timothy Busfield, faces serious criminal allegations that have cast a shadow over their family and professional lives.
According to the New York Post, the 61-year-old actress addressed the situation Monday in a statement shared through the Instagram account of her lifestyle brand, Modern Prairie.
While she did not reference the charges directly, Gilbert acknowledged the strain of the moment and thanked supporters who have rallied around her.
“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.”
Gilbert framed her message around reflection and self-preservation, suggesting the controversy has prompted her to slow down and reassess priorities.
“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 continued. “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.”
She also expressed gratitude to her followers for their support during what she described as an overwhelming period.
“Thank you for helping me to feel safer, more grounded, and deeply held by this extraordinary community of women here at Modern Prairie,” Gilbert added. “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, 68, has been charged with two counts of criminal sexual contact of a minor and one count of child abuse.
The allegations stem from his work on the Fox series “The Cleaning Lady,” where he is accused of inappropriately touching two child actors. Busfield has denied all allegations.
According to court documents, the alleged abuse began in 2022, when both boys were 7 years old. The investigation was launched in November 2024 after a physician at the University of New Mexico Hospital contacted authorities, citing concerns of sexual abuse and grooming following a medical examination of one of the children.
The “West Wing” alum appeared at a two-hour pretrial detention hearing in New Mexico on Jan. 20. Gilbert attended the hearing and became emotional when the judge ruled that Busfield could be released with conditions while awaiting trial.
Gilbert is also among 75 individuals who submitted letters of support to the court on Busfield’s behalf.
“The reality is that Tim Busfield is my love, my rock, my partner in business and life. 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 wrote in her letter.
She further described her husband as someone who “has the strongest moral compass of any human I have ever known” and said he “has dedicated his spiritual self to always being of service to others.”
Gilbert and Busfield have been married since 2013 and share five children from previous relationships.
