Melissa Gilbert Releases Statement on Husband Timothy Busfield’s Arrest
What To Know
- Melissa Gilbert released a statement supporting her husband, Timothy Busfield, after his arrest for alleged child sexual abuse.
- Busfield, who turned himself in to authorities in New Mexico, has denied all allegations.
- Gilbert’s lifestyle brand, Modern Prairie, acknowledged the situation as well.
Warning: The following post reports on allegations of child sexual abuse.
Melissa Gilbert released a statement about the allegations against her husband, Timothy Busfield, following his arrest for alleged child sex abuse.
On Tuesday, January 13, the West Wing actor, 68, turned himself in to authorities in New Mexico, according to police and U.S. Marshals sources, per ABC News.
The move came after the Albuquerque Police Department issued an arrest warrant on Friday, January 9, alleging that Busfield engaged in unlawful sexual conduct with twin 11-year-old actors, per People. The alleged abuse began when one of the victims was 7.
In the wake of Busfield’s arrest, Gilbert, 61 — best known for playing Laura Ingalls Wilder in Little House on the Prairie — released a statement to ABC News through her publicist. It noted that Gilbert is “honoring the request of Tim’s lawyers not to speak publicly while the legal process unfolds.”
The statement added, “Melissa stands with and supports her husband and will address the public at an appropriate time.”
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Meanwhile, Gilbert’s lifestyle brand, Modern Prairie, also acknowledged the arrest via Instagram.
“Modern Prairie is aware of recent media reports regarding serious allegations involving a family member of our brand muse, Melissa Gilbert. These allegations do not involve Modern Prairie, our operations, nor our community,” it began.
The statement continued, “Modern Prairie unequivocally condemns abuse in all forms and remains committed to values of safety, integrity, and respect. While these matters are personal and do not directly involve Melissa or the brand, we are respecting the privacy of the family as they navigate a different and personal situation. Our focus remains on supporting our community and continuing our work with care, responsibility, and intention.”
In a January 13 video message shared by TMZ, Busfield himself denied the allegations.
“I’m sure most of you know, that are watching this, that I was ordered to come to Albuquerque – I’m here now,” he began in the clip. “I got the call Friday night, I had to get a lawyer. Saturday, I got in the car, drove 2,000 miles to Albuquerque. I’m gonna confront these lies. They’re horrible.”
The Field of Dreams actor added, “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. So hang in there, and hopefully, I’m out real soon and back to work. I love everybody for supporting me. Thank you.”
If you or someone you know is the victim of sexual assault, contact the Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network‘s National Helpline at 1-800-656-HOPE (4673). If you or someone you know is the victim of child abuse, contact the Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline at 1-800-4-A-Child (1-800-422-4453). If you or a loved one are in immediate danger, call 911.