Melissa Gilbert Speaks Out in Defense of Husband Timothy Busfield
Actress Melissa Gilbert has publicly addressed resurfaced sexual assault allegations against her husband, actor and director Timothy Busfield, asserting that she is "neither naive nor complicit" in the matter. Gilbert, 61, made these remarks during an interview on "Good Morning America" that aired on Monday, responding to renewed scrutiny over Busfield's past.
Current Criminal Charges and Past Accusations
Busfield, 68, is currently facing four counts of criminal sexual contact with a child in New Mexico. These charges stem from incidents alleged to have occurred between 2022 and 2024 on the set of the Fox TV series "The Cleaning Lady," where Busfield served as a director and actor. He has pleaded not guilty to these charges.
The publicity surrounding this case has brought to light two previous allegations of sexual assault against Busfield from 1994 and 2012. In the 1994 case, a 17-year-old girl accused him of sexually assaulting her on the set of the movie "Little Big League." Busfield settled a potential lawsuit for an undisclosed amount. The 2012 case involved a 28-year-old woman who alleged that Busfield groped her during a date at a Los Angeles movie theater. No charges were filed, with prosecutors citing "slim evidence," and Busfield reportedly called the encounter consensual.
Gilbert's Unwavering Support and Due Diligence
Gilbert, who has been married to Busfield since 2013, emphasized that she conducted thorough due diligence on his past before their marriage. "I talked to him about it. I asked him questions about it. I heard his side of the story, which no one has ever heard, which is the truth," she stated. She added that Busfield will reveal the truth about these past allegations "when the time is right."
She passionately defended her husband, describing him as "the last person in the world who would hurt a child" and an "honorable, caring, generous human being." Gilbert expressed complete trust in Busfield, noting that she trusts him with the lives of her children, grandchildren, nieces, and nephews. "I know literally everything about him," she claimed, highlighting their marriage's ups and downs and their ability to work through issues.
Legal Proceedings and Future Outlook
Busfield's trial for the new charges is scheduled to begin in May 2027. As the legal process unfolds, Gilbert's public statements underscore her steadfast support amidst the controversy. Her interview sheds light on the personal toll such allegations can take on families in the entertainment industry, while maintaining Busfield's innocence against all accusations.
