Melissa Gilbert is standing by her decision to defend husband Timothy Busfield after he was arrested on allegations of child sexual abuse.
In a clip from her upcoming interview with Good Morning America’s George Stephanopoulos, Gilbert, 61, called Busfield’s arrest “the most traumatizing experience of our lives.”
“Our life as we knew it is done,” she said. “We are grieving what we had — all of our plans, all of our dreams, all of our ideas, all of our projects. For Tim, it’s done. He’s canceled.”
She continued: “Even if he’s exonerated, he will always be that guy. [He’s] the last person in the world who would hurt a child. And believe me, if I thought for a second that Tim Busfield hurt a child, he’d have a lot more to worry about than prison.”
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The complete interview will air Monday, April 6. A rep for Gilbert released a statement addressing the actress’ decision to speak out on Busfield’s arrest, saying, “[She] decided it was time to sit down to clarify the facts of the case, which seem to have become lost to distraction, selective information and click bait.”
Us Weekly confirmed in January that an arrest warrant was issued for Busfield, 68, with charges including two counts of criminal sexual contact of a minor and child abuse. The actor was accused of inappropriate behavior toward a child actor on the set of Fox’s The Cleaning Lady after directing several episodes.
According to legal documents, the child was 7 years old when he worked with Busfield on the since-canceled series. Busfield allegedly touched the child several times, and the young actor was “very afraid of Tim and was relieved when he was off set.”
The Albuquerque Police Department spoke with Busfield in November 2025 as part of their investigation into the claims. Busfield denied having any “physical contact” with the boy — or his twin brother, who also worked on The Cleaning Lady.
“I don’t really remember picking those boys up,” he told the authorities about his and Gilbert’s “relationship” with the kids and their family outside of work. “I don’t remember those boys. No, I don‘t, I don’t actually, I don’t remember it. If it happened, I don’t remember overtly tickling the boys ever, but it wouldn’t be uncommon for me.”
Busfield ultimately surrendered himself to law enforcement in New Mexico but continued to maintain his innocence.
“I’m going to confront these lies. They’re horrible. They’re all lies, and I did not do anything to those little boys,” Busfield claimed in a January video shared with TMZ. “I’m going to fight it. I’m going to fight it with a great team, and I’m going to be exonerated. I know I am because this is all so wrong and all lies.”
Busfield was briefly released from police custody before he was indicted by a grand jury in February. Following the indictment, Busfield pleaded not guilty to four counts of criminal sexual contact of a minor.
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Busfield could face up to 15 years in prison if convicted. Gilbert, meanwhile, has publicly stood by her husband amid his legal issues.
“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,” she wrote via Instagram in January. “Add an unexpected storm to the mix, and it can all feel like a bit too much.”
Gilbert reflected on how she has been navigating her husband’s scandal.
“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 added. “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.”
Gilbert concluded: “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.”
If you or someone you know is experiencing child abuse, call or text the Child Help Hotline at 1-800-422-4453.
