Timothy Busfield's Wife Melissa Gilbert Defends Him After Arrest

Gilbert appears on 'Good Morning America' to support her husband, who is facing criminal sexual contact charges involving child actors.

Apr. 7, 2026 at 3:30am

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An abstract, high-contrast close-up image of shattered glass and glittering sequins, capturing the glamour and scandal surrounding the case against actor Timothy Busfield.The high-profile case against actor Timothy Busfield has sparked a media frenzy, with his wife Melissa Gilbert publicly defending him amid allegations of inappropriate conduct on set.Albuquerque Today

Melissa Gilbert, the wife of actor Timothy Busfield, has spoken out in defense of her husband in her first TV interview since his arrest. Busfield was charged with four counts of criminal sexual contact of a child related to allegations that he inappropriately touched two 11-year-old actors on the set of the show 'The Cleaning Lady' in Albuquerque, which he was directing. Gilbert appeared on 'Good Morning America' and said she has no doubt of her husband's innocence, while Busfield's attorneys have issued a statement criticizing the alleged victims' parents.

Why it matters

The case has garnered significant media attention due to Busfield's high-profile acting career and the serious nature of the charges. The interview with Gilbert is seen as an attempt by Busfield's legal team to sway public opinion in his favor, while the prosecution has stated that their focus remains on the alleged victims.

The details

Busfield was previously accused of sexual assault by a minor in 1994, which resulted in a settlement, and by a woman in 2012, which he maintained was consensual contact. The current charges stem from allegations that he inappropriately touched two 11-year-old actors on the set of 'The Cleaning Lady' in Albuquerque, which he was directing. The two boys initially told police in 2024 that Busfield did not touch them inappropriately, but a year later, the boys' mother filed another police report claiming that the twins revealed the alleged abuse in a therapy session.

  • In April 2026, Melissa Gilbert appeared on 'Good Morning America' to defend her husband Timothy Busfield.
  • Nearly two months prior, in February 2026, Busfield pleaded not guilty to four counts of criminal sexual contact of a child.
  • The alleged incidents involving the two 11-year-old actors occurred in 2024, with the initial police report filed that year, and a follow-up report filed a year later by the boys' mother.

The players

Timothy Busfield

An American actor who is facing four counts of criminal sexual contact of a child related to allegations that he inappropriately touched two 11-year-old actors on the set of the show 'The Cleaning Lady' in Albuquerque, which he was directing.

Melissa Gilbert

The wife of Timothy Busfield, who appeared on 'Good Morning America' to defend her husband and express her belief in his innocence.

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What they’re saying

“We hope the remainder of the interview airing on tonight's 'Nightline' will make clear that the parents are criminals: one served more than three years in jail and lost their license to practice law for defrauding 1,500 people of $6,000,000, and the other for writing bad checks and stealing cars.”

— Timothy Busfield's attorneys

“While it is not surprising that the defendant is attempting to garner public support through the media, our focus remains on the victims.”

— The prosecution

What’s next

The case is ongoing, and the judge will continue to oversee the legal proceedings. The alleged victims' parents have not yet responded to requests for comment.

The takeaway

This case highlights the complex dynamics surrounding high-profile allegations of sexual misconduct, with both sides attempting to sway public opinion through the media. The outcome will likely have significant implications for all involved, underscoring the need for a thorough and impartial investigation to determine the facts.