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.
On Tuesday, Gilbert broke down in tears in court as a judge ruled that Busfield will be released from jail. Days later, Gilbert got some much-needed good news as she welcomed Busfield home after his freedom was secured.
Gilbert Gets Some Support
Given the seriousness of the allegations against Busfield, Gilbert was undoubtedly fearful that the bulk of her friends and colleagues would turn on her. That’s why it had to have come as a major relief to Gilbert when her company Modern Prairie voiced their support for her two days after Busfield’s release.
Modern Prairie CEO Nicole Haase took to Instagram on January 22 to update the public on what Gilbert’s involvement will be with the lifestyle brand moving forward.
“We want to thank everyone who has reached out with notes of care, kindness, and support. We’ve felt them, and Melissa has too,” Haase began.
“Many of you are used to seeing Melissa regularly in our feed. And we understand why her absence has prompted concern,” she continued. “At this moment, we’re choosing to honor Melissa’s need for privacy. Supporting someone doesn’t always mean showing up loudly—it often means holding space with respect and compassion.”
Haase went on to make it clear that Modern Prairie will be standing by Gilbert.
“What we can share, and want to be very clear about, is this: Melissa is, and will continue to be, an essential part of Modern Prairie as our Chief Creative Officer,” Haase emphatically stated. “Her creative voice and heart are deeply woven into who we are and what we create-and that does not change.”
Later in her post, Haase thanked her customers for their “patience” and “grace.” She then reaffirmed Modern Prairie’s “commitment” to their community.
“Our team is here every day, caring for the work, the conversations, and the values that define Modern Prairie: kindness, dignity, and the belief that women deserve to feel seen, supported, and celebrated,” Haase concluded.
Given all that Gilbert has dealt with this month, this post was likely music to her ears.
Busfield’s Arrest
An arrest warrant was issued for Busfield, who has been married to Gilbert since 2013, on January 9. He went on to turn himself in to police on January 13.
Busfield, an Emmy-winning actor best known for roles on shows like The West Wing and movies like Field of Dreams, has been charged with two counts of criminal sexual contact of a minor (child under 13) and one count of child abuse. It’s been alleged that he engaged in unlawful sexual conduct with 11-year-old twin boys on the set of his series The Cleaning Lady, which he directed.
Gilbert has let it be known from the very beginning that she believes that her husband is innocent.
“Melissa stands with and supports her husband,” her rep told People Magazine after Busfield’s arrest.
Gilbert went into panic mode when Busfield was initially denied bond. Insiders close to the actress said afterwards that Gilbert believes that she’s living a “nightmare.”
“The past week has been a nightmare for Melissa,” a source told People. “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. Her focus is to try and get him out this week.”
Gilbert Breaks Down In Tears
The insider went on to say that both Gilbert and Busfield are “very involved” working with their lawyer on the defense.
“They have this huge group of friends that support and check in on them every day,” the insider continued. “Melissa is very grateful for the support. She’ll be attending all the court hearings with Tim. She believes he’s innocent.”
After seven days, a judge finally decided to free Busfield pending trial on January 20. Gilbert was seen crying in court and mouthing “thank you, God” upon hearing this ruling.
Check out that emotional moment for yourself in the video below.
Given the seriousness of the charges that Busfield is facing, Gilbert needs all the support that she can get right now. While much of Hollywood will likely be turning their backs on Gilbert in some capacity, it seems that she can still count on her own company having her back.
Only time will tell if Busfield and Gilbert can succeed in clearing his name in the months to come!