Melissa Gilbert Seeks Protection for Husband Timothy Busfield in Child Abuse Case
Melissa Gilbert has reached out to a judge, requesting protection for her “sweet husband” Timothy Busfield, who is a witness in a serious child sex abuse case against him.
Gilbert, who married Busfield in 2013, sent a heartfelt letter of support for him on Friday, as he continues to remain in custody in New Mexico.
“All I want is the safety and well-being of this extraordinary man,” she expressed in her letter. “Please protect my sweet husband. He is my protector, and I belong to him too, but right now, I can’t be there to look after him. That really breaks my heart. I am counting on you to protect him in my place.”
The “Little House on the Prairie” actress has been firmly backing her husband since he was charged over a week ago.
Busfield faces allegations of engaging in illegal sexual acts with 11-year-old twin boys in 2024 while directing the production “Cleaning Women.”
Although he denies the accusations, he voluntarily surrendered to authorities in New Mexico on January 13.
Gilbert’s letter was one of 75 supportive letters submitted to the court, coming from various friends, family members, and past co-stars.
She wrote, “The reality is that Tim Busfield is my love, my rock, and my partner in business and life. His joy, humor, and quick wit brighten my life. He is, quite simply, the beating heart of our wild and wonderful extended family.”
Gilbert added that she knows Busfield better than anyone and described him as having an exceptional moral compass. “He has always dedicated his spiritual self to serving others,” she said.
In the same court filing, Busfield opposed the state’s move for pretrial detention, mentioning 13 potential witnesses, including Gilbert.
Gilbert claimed that “multiple people” told her Busfield was their favorite director on set. “In fact, I hear it everywhere—from restaurants to the grocery store,” she noted. “His former students have called him their favorite teacher. It warms my heart when people from all walks of life share how much they admire him. He is my favorite too.”
Reflecting on their family life, Gilbert mentioned how seeing Busfield become a stepfather to her son Michael was “one of the great joys of my life.” She spoke about how Tim helped guide Michael through his teenage years, expressing deep gratitude for his presence in their lives.
Gilbert admitted that writing the letter felt “weird” and that her emotions took over the process, saying, “I started with logic, but emotions have taken charge. There’s nothing I can do about it. All I want is his safety and well-being.”
Meanwhile, Busfield’s attorney accused prosecutors of lacking substantial evidence in the case, stating, “The state’s attempt to turn responsible surrender into an aggravated act only highlights the absence of real evidence.” The attorney emphasized that the motion to detain Busfield was based on a story that has not held up under scrutiny.
