Melissa Gilbert returns to work after Timothy Busfield is accused of child sex
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Melissa Gilbert acknowledged the challenging time her family has been forced to face in an emotional social media song shared on Monday.
The “Little House on the Prairie” actress admitted she leaned on her loved ones during “a very difficult time” as she announced she is returning to her role as chief creative officer of the Modern Prairie brand and community.
Earlier this month, Gilbert’s husband, Timothy Busfield, was indicted by a New Mexico grand jury on four counts of child sex. He was arrested in January on charges of child sexual abuse.
TIMOTHY BUSFIELD IS INDICATED IN NEW MEXICO CHILD SEX ABUSE CHARGES
Timothy Busfield and wife Melissa Gilbert pose at the opening night after party for the Irish Rep’s production of “The Seafarer” at Crompton Ale House on April 18, 2018, in New York City. (Bruce Glikas/Bruce Glikas/FilmMagic/Getty Images)
“As many of you know, I’ve been away for a while to focus on my family,” Gilbert told his fans. “It was the time I needed, the time to be present, to take care of the most important things and gather my strength when it wasn’t easy. Family is everything to me and during this incredibly difficult time, I leaned on that fact fully.”
He recognized the “unusual community” by wrapping him in love and giving him words of encouragement.
TIMOTHY BUSFIELD IS HELD WITHOUT BAIL ON NEW CHILD SEXUAL ABUSE CHARGE
“For the women in this community who show up every day, not just to me, but to each other — that’s what Modern Prairie is,” Gilbert said. “Women support women – not just when it’s easy and especially when it’s hard.
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“Returning to work does not change my commitmentor my determination in the journey that awaits my family. That remains strong, that remains in my heart. But it is important for me to return to this work.”
Gilbert admitted that working out also strengthens his mind, gives him purpose and “reminds me of who I am on the hardest days.”
“This reminded me why we built this place in the first place — it’s more than products, it’s more than events, it’s more than a product,” he said. “It’s a way of life, it’s a connection, it’s an energy shared across kitchens, living rooms, hospital rooms and long phone calls. It’s dignity, compassion, determination, and I’m so proud to walk forward with you. So let’s get back to it, together.”
Melissa Gilbert is by her husband’s side in a New Mexico courtroom as he fights child sex abuse charges. (AJ Skuy for Fox News Digital)
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Busfield, 68, first committed to local authorities on charges of child sexual abuse on Jan. 13. He was initially held without bail when he was arrested on two counts of sexual contact with a minor and one count of child abuse, and was released from custody on Jan. 20 with orders not to discuss the case with any of the witnesses or communicate with children under 18 years of age.
According to an arrest warrant obtained by Fox News Digital, the 11-year-old twins allege that the director, who they were told to call “Uncle Tim” on the set of “The Cleaning Lady,” touched them inappropriately.
On February 6, a New Mexico grand jury indicted the actor on “thirty-three” counts of child sexual abuse.
Timothy Busfield was initially charged with multiple counts of child sexual abuse in January. (AJ Skuy for Fox News Digital)
Melissa Gilbert held her face in her hands and cried after a judge ordered her husband, Timothy Busfield, out of custody. (YouTube)
“District Attorney Sam Bregman emphasized that protecting children remains a priority for his office,” read a statement released by the district attorney on social media. “The Bernalillo County District Attorney’s Office remains committed to doing everything possible to protect the children and ensure justice for the victims.”
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Busfield’s attorney stressed that the charges against the “West Wing” actor “cannot be substantiated at trial” in a statement shared with Fox News Digital.
“The indictment was unexpected. As the saying goes, a grand jury will put ham sandwiches,” said Larry Stein. “The most troubling thing is that the district attorney chooses to proceed with a frivolous and unsubstantiated case in the case. The remand trial exposed fatal weaknesses in the State’s evidence – gaps that cannot be addressed by charging decisions.”
Melissa Gilbert married her third husband, Timothy Busfield, in 2013. (Getty Images)
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“This prosecution seems to be driven by something other than the facts or the law,” he added. “Mr. Busfield will fight these charges at every stage and looks forward to testing the State’s case in open court – where the evidence is important – not behind closed doors.”
Busfield’s preliminary hearing is scheduled for March 10.
Fox News Digital’s Lauryn Overhultz contributed to this report.
