Melissa Gilbert Said Timothy Busfield Allegations ‘Only Hurt’ the Children
Melissa Gilbert has defended her husband, Timothy Busfield, against allegations of child sex abuse. He was charged following allegations of abusing two underage actors on the set of The Cleaning Lady. Busfield’s lawyers have accused the boys’ parents of seeking revenge against him for recasting their sons. In a conversation with police, Gilbert said the allegations also hurt the boys.
Melissa Gilbert slammed the parents of the actors for abuse allegations against Timothy Busfield
In November 2025, Albuquerque Police detective Marvin Brown called Busfield and Gilbert to talk about the allegations of abuse on the set of The Cleaning Lady. Busfield’s lawyers have accused the boys’ parents of being “criminals” who “wanted revenge” against the director for recasting them (via Deadline). Gilbert said something similar in the conversation with Brown.
“It’s cruel and it’s vindictive and it’s disgusting,” she said, per USA Today. “And in my opinion, that does nothing to help these children. It only hurts them.”
Gilbert, who was a child actor, said she thought her husband was professional on set.
“It’s really important that the kids feel comfortable with the people they’re working with. So, it’s just standard practice to become as friendly with them as possible so that they trust you, so they open up on screen,” she said. “I always admired the way Tim works with children because he makes them so comfortable.”
He said he tried to foster a ‘playful’ environment on set
Busfield has described the allegations against him as “ludicrous.” He claimed he was never alone with the young actors and that their parents were always present.
“I mean, I’m always around people. It would be in front of the parents,” he said. “There would never (be) a weird moment about it. I don’t really remember picking those boys up. It’s disgusting. Never anything of any sexual, any weird ever with them. Just that’s disgusting.”
He said he tried to promote a “playful” environment on set.
“Whether I’d tickle the kids or tell them they did a great job, and it was like a coach. I would treat them like a coach,” he said. “That was my job. Great on this, great on that, all positive.”
When asked if he recalled tickling the children, he said, “I don’t remember overtly tickling the boys ever, but it wouldn’t be uncommon for me to.”
Melissa Gilbert has defended Timothy Busfield from the allegations against him
Gilbert has steadfastly defended her husband against the allegations.
“I know this man in my bones,” she said on Good Morning America. “No one knows him better than I do. I know literally everything about him.”
She said she completely trusts him and doesn’t believe the allegations reflect his character.
“I trust him with my children’s lives, with my grandchildren’s lives, my nieces and nephews,” she said. “He is an honorable, caring, generous human being.”
