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Melissa Gilbert shared a statement Monday through her lifestyle company, Modern Prairie, addressing what she described as an “extraordinarily difficult time” amid her husband Timothy Busfield’s child sex abuse charges.
“I’m sending you all my love and gratitude during this extraordinarily difficult time. Not only for Tim, me and our family, but in the collective heaviness so many of us seem to be carrying right now. Add an unexpected storm to the mix, and it can all feel like a bit too much,” the “Little House on the Prairie” actor wrote on Instagram.
“This season has reminded me, very clearly, how important it is to slow down, prioritize what truly matters, and allow ourselves moments of rest,” she continued. “Stepping back from the noise, the news, and even our daily responsibilities from time to time gives us space to recharge, reflect, and find our center again.
“Thank you, truly, for the love, patience, and support you continue to show Tim and me. Thank you for helping me to feel safer, more grounded, and deeply held by this extraordinary community of women here at Modern Prairie. I’ll be easing back into things thoughtfully and with care – moving forward one step at a time. More to come, and so much gratitude always.”
Busfield — the actor known for “Thirtysomething,” “The West Wing” and “Field of Dreams” — has been charged with two counts of criminal sexual contact of a minor and one count of child abuse. He is accused of groping a 7-year-old boy’s “private areas” while directing episodes of “The Cleaning Lady.” The boy and his twin brother were actors on the Fox series. Busfield was released from jail in Albuquerque, N.M., on Jan. 20 and is awaiting trial on these charges.
At the time of Busfield’s arrest, Gilbert issued a statement through her publicist that read: “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. She is honoring the request of Tim’s lawyers not to speak publicly while the legal process unfolds. During this period, her focus is on supporting and caring for their very large family, as they navigate this moment. Melissa stands with and supports her husband and will address the public at an appropriate time. We ask that their privacy be respected.”
English (US) ·