Last week, we reported that the former Little House on the Prairie star Melissa Gilbert’s husband Timothy Busfield had been accused of sexually abusing two 11 year-old twin boys. We then reported that Gilbert was standing by her husband in the wake of these allegations.
Now, insiders are claiming that Gilbert has gone into panic mode in the wake of Busfield’s arrest. Indeed, it seems that in Gilbert’s mind, she’s living a “nightmare.”
Gilbert Is ‘Very Concerned’
Gilbert, 61, is reportedly extremely worried about Busfield, 68, who has been denied bail and is has spent a week in a New Mexico jail. This came after he was hit with two counts of criminal sexual contact of a minor and one count of child abuse.
“The past week has been a nightmare for Melissa,” an insider told People Magazine. “She’s very concerned about Tim in jail. She wants him out so he’s safe.”
‘The detention facility where he’s being held has safety issue complaints,” the source continued. “Her focus is to try and get him out this week.”
Busfield surrendered to the Albuquerque Police Department on January 13. This came after an arrest warrant was issued four days before alleging that Busfield engaged in unlawful sexual conduct with two boys. He has been accused of sexually abusing them on the set of The Cleaning Lady, a show that Busfield directed. The series was filmed in Albuquerque.
In the criminal complaint, an investigator said that one of the boys alleged that Busfield touched him on private areas over his clothing on one occasion when he was 7 years old and another time when he was 8. The other twin also claimed to have been touched by Busfield, although he did not specify where. He said that he didn’t say anything at the time because he was afraid he’d get in trouble.
Gilbert Stands By Busfield
Gilbert has been standing by Busfield ever since his arrest. We previously reported that she’d sent a letter to the judge begging for Busfield to be set free.
“The reality is that Tim Busfield is my love, my rock, my partner in business and life,” Gilbert wrote in the letter, which was obtained by Fox News. “He is my comfort and my council. His joy, humor and quick wit bring sparkle to my life. Tim is, quite simply, the beating heart of our wild and wonderful extended family.”
Gilbert went on to tell the judge that she knows Busfield “better and more intimately than anyone else in his life,” describing him as a man guided by principle and compassion.
“Tim has the strongest moral compass of any human I have ever known,” she wrote. “He has dedicated his spiritual self to always being of service to others. He starts every day with kindness and compassion.”
Gilbert then claimed that Busfield has a consistently positive reputation in the entertainment industry. She alleged that on “every single set where Tim is working, multiple people” have told her that he is “their favorite director ever.” Gilbert claims to have gotten similar comments come from strangers “in restaurants, on red carpets and in grocery stores too.”
Gilbert ended her letter by admitting how difficult and emotional it was to address the court.
“This is the strangest letter I’ve ever had to write,” she concluded. “So, I will close by asking you to please, please, take care of my sweet husband. 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.”
Busfield Claims He’s Innocent
Busfield is set to appear in court for a detention hearing later today. Gilbert is listed as someone who may speak at this hearing on Busfield’s behalf. A rep for Gilbert confirmed to NBC News that the actress will be attending this hearing.
As for Busfield himself, he’s maintained his innocence. His lawyer Larry Stein said that he’s determined “to clear his name and reputation.”
“He didn’t do anything wrong,” Stein said. “These accusations are false, as the investigator from the independent law firm found.”
Gilbert is undoubtedly hoping that today’s hearing will result in her husband being freed on bond. Only time will tell if her wish will come true.