Melissa Gilbert has expressed unwavering confidence in her husband, actor Timothy Busfield, as he faces criminal charges involving allegations of sexual contact with minors. Speaking on ABC’s “Good Morning America” Monday, Gilbert stated she trusts him completely.
“I know this man in my bones. No one knows him better than I do. I know literally everything about him,” Gilbert said, noting her role in “Little House on the Prairie.”
Gilbert highlighted the strength of their marriage: “Our relationship has had a lot of ups and downs. We’ve been through struggles… We’ve had our own issues to deal with, and we’ve worked through everything.”
She added that Busfield is “nothing if not completely honest with me” and that she trusts him with her children’s lives, grandchildren’s lives, and those of her nieces and nephews. “He is an honorable, caring, generous human being.”
Busfield has been charged in New Mexico with four counts of criminal sexual contact of a minor following allegations made by two children who worked with him while directing the Fox series “The Cleaning Lady.” According to court documents, the children claimed Busfield allegedly touched them inappropriately on set.
The actor, known for roles in “The West Wing” and “Thirtysomething,” has pleaded not guilty to the charges. He was released from custody in January after turning himself in on separate charges of child abuse and criminal sexual contact of a minor. His trial is scheduled to begin in May.
Busfield’s attorney, Larry Stein, has contested the allegations, stating that the children are “victims of the parents, not victims of Tim.” During his appearance on ABC’s “Good Morning America,” Stein also addressed reports about gifts given to children, denying any direct involvement by Busfield. He asserted that such presents were distributed by Gilbert at a Christmas party.
The case remains pending as Busfield prepares for trial.
