Melissa Gilbert Breaks Social Media Silence Amid Husband Timothy Busfield’s Legal Trouble
Timothy Busfield, known for his roles on The West Wing and Thirtysomething and for directing episodes of The Cleaning Lady, has been embroiled in a serious legal scandal. A New Mexico grand jury indicted him on multiple counts of criminal sexual contact of a child and related child abuse charges. While Busfield denies the allegations, his wife, Little House on the Prairie star Melissa Gilbert, stepped away from social media. Now, she’s officially broken her social media silence. Here’s what she said.
‘Little House on the Prairie’ star Melissa Gilbert says she’s back to work following the Timothy Busfield allegations
On Jan. 13, 2026, Timothy Busfield was charged with two counts of criminal sexual contact of a minor and one count of child abuse, according to People. Prosecutors allege the incidents involved two young boys he worked with while directing The Cleaning Lady. Busfield allegedly “grew closer to the boys” when he jointed the series, according to the children’s parents.
Amid the unfolding legal battle, Melissa Gilbert, his wife since 2013, took a public pause from her work and social media. Gilbert later shared an emotional message as she returned to her role at her lifestyle brand, Modern Prairie. She expressed gratitude to supporters and reaffirmed her commitment to family and community during what she described as an “extraordinarily difficult time.”
“As many of you know, I stepped away for a little while to focus on my family,” she said in an Instagram clip. “It was time I needed — time to be present, to tend to what matters most and to gather my strength in a season that has not been easy. Family is everything to me, and during this incredibly difficult time, I leaned into that truth fully. But something else carried me too: You did. This extraordinary community at Modern Prairie, you wrapped me in love even when I was quiet. I felt your prayers; I felt your encouragement; I felt your steady presence.”
Gilber thanked the Modern Prairie team and noted that it’s “women supporting women” that makes Modern Prairie special.
“Coming back to work does not change my commitment or my resolve to the journey that lies ahead for my family,” she continued. “That remains steadfast; that remains my heart. But it is important for me to step back into this work. It strengthens my mindset; it gives me purpose; it reminds me of who I am beyond hard days.”
Fans are showing their support for Melissa Gilbert during this difficult time
As Melissa Gilbert steps back into her role as Chief Creative Officer for Modern Prairie, fans are showing their support for the star. Many of her followers left sweet Instagram comments.
“You look amazing the work you do is amazing and I hope your life feels amazing,” one fan commented.
“We love you! And I am praying for your family,” yet another fan wrote.
“Ah Melissa, as long as you and your family are OK, that’s all that matters, we’re here,” yet another fan commented.
Other fans reminisced on their love of Little House on the Prairie.
“We might not know you personally, but we feel like we do,” a fan wrote. “Little House on The Prairie was such an important part of my young life and continues to remind me of the precious times where life was more simple and full of love and family. I watched Little House with my grandma and this show and you, Melissa, made me feel so embraced and loved.”
She previously pleaded with the judge after Timothy Busfield’s arrest
According to ABC7 Eyewitness News, Melissa Gilbert wrote a heartfelt letter to the judge following Timothy Busfield’s arrest.
“Please, please take care of my sweet husband,” she wrote. “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 you to protect him for me.”
“Tim has the strongest moral compass of any human I have ever known,” Gilbert continued. “He has dedicated his spiritual self to always being of service to others.”
She went on to discuss her husband’s relationship with her son, Michael. “Tim nurtured and guided Michael,” Gilbert added. “… I will never be able to express the depth of gratitude I have to God for bringing this wonderful human into our lives.”
