Melissa Gilbert Shows Up in Court to Support Husband Timothy Busfield Ahead of Sex Abuse Trial
Little House on the Prairie star Melissa Gilbert made her support for husband Timothy Busfield crystal clear, People reported Tuesday. Gilbert, 61, showed up in court to attend Busfield's pretrial detention hearing in Bernalillo County, New Mexico. Busfield, 68, has been accused of sexually abusing at least two minor boys.
Gilbert was joined by plenty of family and friends, including her mother, Barbara Cowan and her son, Michael Boxleitner. Busfield's brother Buck Busfield also attended the hearing.
Tuesday's hearing was the actor's second court appearance after he turned himself in on January 13 and was charged with two counts of criminal sexual contact of a minor and one count of child abuse. Authorities previously issued a warrant for Busfield's arrest on January 9 and accused him of unlawful sexual conduct. Busfield first made a court appearance on January 14, when he was told he would remain in custody without bond until January 20.
Melissa Gilbert has made her support for her husband clear
Gilbert was one of 75 people who wrote letters in support of Busfield. She told the judge her husband is "my love, my rock, my partner in business and life," adding that she knows him "better and more intimately than anything in his life ever has."
Gilbert also wrote: "I am trying to tow a line between logic and all the feelings swirling through me. I began this letter with logic, but now the feelings have taken over. I can't help it. I only want this extraordinary man safe and whole. 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 your to protect him for me."
The actress previously deactivated her Instagram account after it was announced an arrest warrant for her husband had been issued. Per People, representatives for Gilbert also released a statement warning fans and supporters against falling for fake AI videos pertaining to the case.
"Melissa Gilbert is not making public statements at this time. Any purported ‘statements’ circulating online — including AI-generated deepfakes of her ‘breaking her silence’ — should not be treated as coming from her," the statement read. "She is honoring the request of Tim’s lawyers not to speak publicly while the legal process unfolds."
The statement also requested privacy for the family. "During this period, her focus is on supporting and caring for their very large family, as they navigate this moment," the message continued. "Melissa stands with and supports her husband and will address the public at an appropriate time. We ask that their privacy be respected."