Melissa Gilbert she stands by her decision to protect her husband Timothy Busfield after being arrested on suspicion of child sexual abuse.
In a clip of his upcoming interview no Good Morning America‘s George StephanopoulosGilbert, 61, called Busfield’s arrest “the most painful event of our lives.”
“Our life as we knew it is over,” he said. “We’re grieving what we had – all our plans, all our dreams, all our ideas, all our projects. For Tim, it’s over. He’s canceled.”
He continued: “Even if he is acquitted, he will always be that boy. [He’s] the last person on earth who would harm a child. And believe me, if I thought for a second that Tim Busfield hurt a child, he would have a lot more to worry about than prison.”
The full interview will air on Monday, April 6. Gilbert’s rep released a statement regarding the actor’s decision to speak out about Busfield’s arrest, saying, “[She] they decided it was time to sit down to clarify the facts of this case, which seem to have been lost due to distractions, special information and click bait.”
Us Weekly confirmed in January that a warrant had been issued for the arrest of Busfield, 68, on charges including two counts of sexual abuse of a minor and a child. The actor has been accused of inappropriate behavior towards a child actor on the Fox series The Cleaning Lady after directing a few episodes.
Melissa Gilbert and Timothy Busfield
Pascal Le Segretain / Getty ImagesAccording to legal documents, the child was 7 years old when he worked with Busfield on the since-cancelled series. It is said that Busfield repeatedly touched the child, and the young actor was “very afraid of Tim and was relieved when he was out.”
The Albuquerque Police Department spoke with Busfield in November 2025 as part of their investigation into the claims. Busfield denied having “physical contact” with the boy – or his twin, who also worked The Cleaning Lady.
“I don’t really remember picking those guys up,” she told authorities about her “relationship” with Gilbert and their children and family outside of work. “I don’t remember those boys. No, I don’t, really, I don’t. If it happened, I don’t remember tickling the boys, but it wouldn’t be normal for me.”
Busfield eventually surrendered to law enforcement in New Mexico but continued to maintain his innocence.
“I’m going to face these lies. They’re bad. They’re all lies, and I didn’t do anything to those little boys,” Busfield said in a January video shared with TMZ. “I will fight it. I will fight it with a great group, and I will be freed. I know because this is all wrong and all lies.”
Busfield was briefly released from police custody before being indicted by a grand jury in February. After being charged, Busfield pleaded not guilty to four counts of sexual contact with a minor.
Busfield could face up to 15 years in prison if convicted. Gilbert, on the other hand, has stood up to her husband publicly in the midst of his legal affairs.
“Sending you all my love and gratitude during this incredibly difficult time. Not just Tim, myself and our family, but the collective hardship many of us seem to be going through right now,” she wrote on Instagram in January. “Add an unexpected storm to the mix, and it can all feel overwhelming.”
Gilbert thought about how she had been navigating her husband’s shame.
“This season reminded me, obviously, how important it is to slow down, prioritize what’s really important, and allow ourselves moments of rest,” he added. “Stepping back from the noise, the news, and our daily responsibilities from time to time gives us space to recharge, reflect, and find our center again.”
Gilbert concluded: “Thank you, indeed, for the love, patience, and support you continue to show Tim and I. Thank you for helping me feel safer, more grounded, and deeply held by this extraordinary community of women here at Modern Prairie. I will be stepping back into things thoughtfully and carefully – moving forward one step at a time. More to come, and great thanks all the time.”
If you or someone you know is being abused by children, call or text the Child Help Hotline at 1-800-422-4453.
