Timothy Busfield is actively preparing his defense in a child sex abuse case as he formally responds to allegations made against him in New Mexico. Recent court filings reveal Busfield’s legal strategy as he seeks to counter the state’s motion to keep him in pretrial detention, scheduled for a hearing on January 20. In a show of support, his wife, Melissa Gilbert, has also been named among the potential witnesses in his favor.
According to documents reviewed by TheWrap, Busfield’s legal team submitted a list of 13 individuals who could testify on his behalf. Gilbert, widely recognized for her role as Laura Ingalls Wilder on the beloved series “Little House on the Prairie,” had remained largely silent following Busfield’s arrest. However, she indicated through a representative that she supports her husband and will speak publicly at the appropriate time, having reportedly written a character letter supporting him as well.
The accusations stem from Busfield’s work on the Fox series “The Cleaning Lady,” where he directed several episodes. He faces two counts of criminal sexual contact with a minor and child abuse, based on allegations connected to his interactions with child actors he directed. In response to these allegations, Busfield has firmly denied any wrongdoing. He claimed in a video before his surrender to the authorities that the allegations are false and motivated by financial reasons from the accusers.
In his Friday filing, Busfield rejected the credibility of the accusations, asserting that the claims were largely initiated by two stage parents whose children lost roles in the series. He argued that their motivations for speaking out are financially driven, particularly given their history of alleged dishonesty. Additionally, Busfield provided results from a polygraph test showing he was “truthful” in denying inappropriate conduct, as well as 75 letters from friends, family, and colleagues endorsing his character.
Melissa Gilbert’s letter to the judge expressed her deep appreciation for Busfield, noting his qualities of honor, integrity, and compassion. She shared her struggle to balance logic with emotional turmoil, highlighting her desire for her husband to remain safe through this tumultuous time.
As the legal proceedings unfold, both Busfield and Gilbert are poised to navigate this challenging chapter together, emphasizing the support and commitment they share amidst the accusations.