Melissa Gilbert is speaking out amid her husband Timothy Busfield‘s recent child sexual abuse allegations.
The Little House on the Prairie alum took to the lifestyle company Modern Prairie’s Instagram on Monday, which she co-founded in 2022, to share her appreciation for her fans during “the extraordinarily difficult time.”
“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. Add an unexpected storm to the mix, and it can all feel like a bit too much,” Gilbert wrote. “This season has reminded me, very clearly, how important it is to slow down, prioritize what truly matters, and allow ourselves moments of rest. 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.”
She continued, “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.”
On Jan. 9, an arrest warrant was issued for Busfield for conduct involving children that allegedly happened on the set of Fox’s The Cleaning Lady, THR previously confirmed. Busfield later turned himself in to authorities in Albuquerque, New Mexico.
He has been charged with two counts of criminal sexual contact of a minor and child abuse following an investigation of sexual abuse involving two male minors on the drama, which he directed several episodes for as well as played a small part in one episode.
Following a court hearing on Tuesday, a judge ruled that the actor and director can be released from jail while he awaits trial on the charges.
While The West Wing alum has claimed his innocence of the allegations, he has also been hit with a second sexual abuse allegation. According to a prosecution filing, Busfield is accused of groping a teenage girl when she was auditioning for a role several years ago at the B Street Theatre in Sacramento, California.
Busfield previously faced sexual abuse allegations from a 17-year-old extra working on the 1994 film, Little Big League, which he directed. He settled with that accuser. And in 2012, another woman claimed that he groped her on a date, but charges were never filed against him at the time.
Amid Busfield’s new accusations, his talent agency, Innovative Artists, has ceased working with him. An episode of Law & Order: SVU in which he guest stars has also been pulled, and his role has been edited out of Amazon MGM’s upcoming rom-com, You Deserve Each Other.
Gilbert and Busfield have been married since 2013. The former SAG president previously shared in a statement, via her representative, that she would not be “making public statements at this time” and is “honoring the request of Tim’s lawyers not to speak publicly while the legal process unfolds.”
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