UPDATE 1/21/26, 11:45 a.m. ET: Timothy Busfield‘s wife, Melissa Gilbert, is celebrating his release from jail before his child sex abuse trial.
Following the judge’s decision on Tuesday, January 20, Busfield’s civil attorney Larry Stein told People that the actor “feels wonderful,” as does his wife, who is “very, very excited.”
Gilbert was seen in the courtroom on Tuesday saying, “Thank you, God,” as Busfield’s fate was revealed.
Original story below:
Melissa Gilbert was seen supporting husband Timothy Busfield at a hearing in child sex abuse case.
Gilbert, 61, appeared at a court in New Mexico on Tuesday, January 20, as a Bernalillo County judge decided whether Busfield, 68, will be released from jail while awaiting trial. Gilbert was seen sitting in the front row of the courtroom behind Busfield, 68, who wore an orange jumpsuit.
Gilbert was named among 14 witnesses expected to address the court during Tuesday’s hearing. She has been married to Busfield since 2013.
News broke earlier this month that a warrant was issued for Busfield’s arrest relating to allegations of child sexual abuse by two twin brothers. The incidents outlined in the warrant obtained by Us Weekly allegedly occurred on the set of Fox’s The Cleaning Lady between 2022 and 2024.
Melissa Gilbert Writes Letter Asking Judge to Keep Timothy Busfield ‘Safe’
Busfield eventually turned himself in to authorities on January 13, claiming in a video shared with TMZ that he will “confront these lies.”
“I did not do anything to those little boys,” he said, adding, “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 is facing two counts of sexual abuse involving a minor and one count of child abuse. According to the Bernalillo County District Attorney’s Office, the actor could be sentenced to up to 15 years in prison if convicted.
Gilbert previously voiced her support for her husband in a statement shared with Us on January 13.
“During this period, her focus is on supporting and caring for their very large family, as they navigate this moment,” Gilbert’s rep said. “Melissa stands with and supports her husband and will address the public at an appropriate time.”
Inside the Jail Where Timothy Busfield is Being Held on Child Abuse Charges
In a letter obtained by Us ahead of Tuesday’s hearing, Gilbert urged the judge to help keep Busfield “safe” while he remains behind bars.
“The reality is that Tim Busfield is my love, my rock, my partner in business and life,” she wrote, according to court documents. “He is my comfort and my council. His joy, humor and quick wit bring sparkle to my life. Tim is, quite simply, the beating heart of our wild and wonderful extended family.”
Gilbert argued that Busfield “has the strongest moral compass of any human I have ever known” and has “dedicated his spiritual self to always being of service to others.” The actress said Busfield leads with “kindness and compassion,” pointing specifically to how he “nurtured and guided” her youngest son, Michael, through his teen years.
“Your Honor, this is the strangest letter I’ve ever had to write. I only want this extraordinary man safe and whole,” she continued. “Please, please, take care of my sweet husband. As he is my protector, I am his, but I cannot protect him now and I think that, more than anything else, is what is truly breaking my heart, I am relying on [you] to protect him for me.”
