Melissa Gilbert has publicly defended her husband, Timothy Busfield, who faces four counts of criminal sexual contact with a child in New Mexico. The charges relate to incidents on the set of The Cleaning Lady, a Fox TV series that Busfield directed and acted in between 2022 and 2024.
Key Takeaways
Melissa Gilbert has publicly defended her husband Timothy Busfield against charges of criminal sexual contact with a child in New Mexico. She expressed unwavering support during an interview on 'Good Morning America', stating she trusts him completely. The charges relate to incidents on the set of 'The Cleaning Lady' between 2022 and 2024.
- Gilbert knew about past allegations against Busfield before their marriage in 2013
- Two previous sexual assault allegations have resurfaced due to current case publicity
- Busfield pleaded not guilty and is scheduled for trial in May 2027
- Gilbert described the experience as 'the most traumatizing' of her life
Gilbert, known for her role in Little House on the Prairie, spoke out during an interview with George Stephanopoulos on Good Morning America. She insisted she was aware of past allegations against Busfield before their marriage in 2013. Gilbert stated that she had discussed these allegations with Busfield and believed his side of the story.
The charges stem from accusations by two child actors, who are brothers, alleging inappropriate touching during production of The Cleaning Lady. One actor claimed Busfield first touched him inappropriately when he was 7 years old, with repeated incidents occurring when he turned 8. The affidavit also detailed a police interview where Busfield suggested the boys' mother might be seeking revenge for not being brought back for the final season.
According to The Guardian, two previous allegations of sexual assault against Busfield have resurfaced due to publicity surrounding the current case. The first allegation comes from a 17-year-old girl who accused Busfield of sexually assaulting her on the set of the 1994 movie Little Big League. The second allegation stems from 2012, when a 28-year-old woman alleged that Busfield groped her during a date at a Los Angeles movie theater.
Gilbert expressed unwavering support for Busfield, stating she trusts him with her children's and grandchildren's lives. She described the allegations as 'the most traumatizing experience of our lives' and suggested Busfield would face more serious consequences from her if he were guilty. Gilbert also mentioned that their life has been irrevocably changed by these events.
Busfield turned himself in to law enforcement days after a warrant was issued, denied the accusations, and was subsequently released on his own recognizance. He is scheduled to go to trial in May 2027. His attorney Larry Stein expressed confidence that Busfield will be exonerated and called the allegations false.
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