In a brief but poignant statement released through her publicist on January 13, 2026, actress Melissa Gilbert addressed the public for the first time since her husband, veteran actor and director Timothy Busfield, voluntarily surrendered to authorities in Albuquerque, New Mexico. The 61-year-old star of Little House on the Prairie described the ordeal as “an incredibly painful time for our family,” emphasizing her unwavering support for Busfield while pleading for privacy as the legal process unfolds.
Gilbert’s representative, Ame Van Iden, conveyed the message: “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.” The statement underscored the emotional toll on the couple’s blended family, which includes children from previous relationships and their shared life in upstate New York. Gilbert also cautioned against misinformation, noting that any circulating “statements” online—particularly AI-generated deepfakes purporting to show her “breaking her silence”—should not be considered authentic.
The announcement came hours after Busfield, 68, turned himself in at the Metropolitan Detention Center following an arrest warrant issued on January 9, 2026. The Emmy-winning actor, best known for his roles in Thirtysomething (which earned him a 1991 Emmy for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series), Field of Dreams, and The West Wing, faces two counts of criminal sexual contact of a minor and one count of child abuse. He is being held without bail, with his first court appearance scheduled shortly after booking.
The allegations stem from incidents purportedly occurring between November 2022 and spring 2024 on the set of the Fox crime drama The Cleaning Lady, where Busfield served as a director, executive producer, and occasional actor. The accusers are twin brothers, now 11 years old (identified in court documents as SL and VL), who appeared as child actors on the series. According to the arrest warrant affidavit from Albuquerque Police Officer Marvin Kirk Brown, one boy reported that Busfield—whom the children called “Uncle Tim”—inappropriately touched his private areas over clothing multiple times, beginning when he was 7 years old. The incidents allegedly included touching three or four times during one occasion and five or six times during another when the boy was 8. The children also described Busfield tickling them on the stomach and legs in ways that made them uncomfortable.
The investigation gained traction in November 2024 when a physician at the University of New Mexico Hospital flagged concerns of potential sexual abuse after examining one of the boys. The parents, at the recommendation of a law firm, sought medical attention, and the mother subsequently reported the claims to Child Protective Services. One child has since been diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and anxiety, experiencing nightmares tied to the alleged events and fearing retaliation for disclosing them.
Busfield and Gilbert reportedly maintained a friendly relationship with the family beyond work, including inviting them to off-set gatherings and purchasing Christmas gifts for the boys to foster closeness. In a November 2025 phone interview with Officer Brown—during which Gilbert listened via speakerphone—Busfield described the set as a “playful environment” and acknowledged it was “highly likely” he would have picked up and tickled the children. He vehemently denied any inappropriate conduct, suggesting the accusations stemmed from revenge by the boys’ mother after her sons were not brought back for the show’s final season.
An independent investigation commissioned by Warner Bros. Television earlier in 2025, following an anonymous SAG-AFTRA hotline complaint about Busfield “tickling and caressing” minor boys, reportedly found no corroborating evidence after interviewing witnesses and reviewing the claims. Busfield’s attorney, Stanton “Larry” Stein, has called the charges “completely false” and emphasized his client’s full cooperation, stating he drove nearly 2,000 miles to Albuquerque to “confront these lies” head-on. In a video statement released shortly before surrendering, Busfield asserted, “They’re horrible. They’re all lies, and I did not do anything to those little boys. I’m going to fight it with a great team, and I’m going to be exonerated.”
The case has drawn additional context from Busfield’s past. Court records reference prior public accusations of sexual assault against him in 1994 (involving a 17-year-old actor on Little Big League, which ended in a defamation countersuit and settlement) and 2012 (a fondling allegation that did not lead to charges). Neither resulted in criminal prosecution.
The entertainment industry responded swiftly: NBC pulled an upcoming Law & Order: Special Victims Unit episode guest-starring Busfield as a judge. Warner Bros. reiterated its commitment to investigating misconduct and cooperating with law enforcement.
Gilbert, who rose to fame as a child actress and later served as president of the Screen Actors Guild, has long advocated for child protection in Hollywood. In late 2025, she posted reflections on past industry practices, calling some “disgusting” by modern standards and highlighting vulnerabilities for young performers. She deactivated her Instagram and Threads accounts shortly after the warrant became public, fueling speculation before her statement.
The couple, married since 2013 after meeting in Los Angeles, have often spoken of their shared life away from Hollywood’s glare, including their move to a secluded Catskills home. Gilbert’s measured words reflect a focus on family unity during what she called an “incredibly painful time,” balancing loyalty with respect for the ongoing investigation.
As proceedings advance, the allegations continue to shock fans and colleagues who admired Busfield’s contributions to television. The outcome will likely influence broader discussions on child safety in film sets, supervision of young actors, and the handling of serious misconduct claims in the industry.
