Melissa Gilbert expressed deep sorrow regarding her relationship with husband Timothy Busfield, claiming that their lives have changed irreparably. This occurred during Busfield’s first interview since facing accusations of child molestation.
In a recent segment with Good Morning America, host George Stephanopoulos inquired about how she felt during these tumultuous events. Gilbert, 61, who gained fame from “Little House on the Prairie,” described the situation as “hell,” labeling it the most traumatic experience they have ever faced.
Busfield, 68, was taken into custody in January after police in Albuquerque alleged he engaged in inappropriate sexual activities with two 11-year-old boys while working on the Fox series “Cleaning Women.” Subsequently, a grand jury indicted him on four counts of third-degree felony sexual contact with a minor, linked to incidents from 2022 and 2023. He has pleaded not guilty and awaits trial set for May 2027.
Gilbert lamented the loss of their previous life together, saying, “We grieve what we had.” She highlighted that even if Busfield is exonerated, the stigma will linger: “He’s canceled. He’ll always be that guy.”
Defending her husband vehemently, Gilbert remarked, “He’s the last person on earth who would ever hurt a child.” She emphasized that if Busfield genuinely believed he had harmed a child, the consequences would weigh heavily on him beyond just facing prison.
According to Gilbert’s attorney, the decision to speak with Stephanopoulos was prompted by the need to address misinformation around the case, which they felt had been misrepresented.
After turning himself in on January 13, Busfield was released about a week later with stringent conditions following a pretrial hearing. He cannot have contact with the alleged victims or their families, cannot be around minors unsupervised, and is subject to restrictions on alcohol and drug use.
In her letter to the judge before the January hearing, Gilbert referred to Busfield as “my love, my rock,” stressing her deep affection and understanding of him. She pleaded for the court to take care of him, admitting her helplessness in protecting him brought her great sadness.
Emotional during the court proceedings, Gilbert was seen crying when the judge approved Busfield’s release.
Married since 2013, Gilbert and Busfield share five children from prior relationships. Busfield’s legal team has criticized the prosecution, labeling the case “fundamentally unsound” and pointing out supposed significant flaws in the evidence, pledging to contest the charges vigorously at trial.
