Melissa Gilbert has received public support from a former child star after her husband, Timothy Busfield, was arrested for child sex abuse allegations.
West Wing actor Busfield, 68, is facing charges of criminal sexual contact of a minor child under 13 and one count of child abuse after twin boys came forward with the alleged assault they faced on the set of the television series The Cleaning Lady.
He is accused of inappropriately touching minors and allegedly told cops he wanted to create a ‘playful environment’ on the set of the television show he was directing.
A warrant for his arrest in New Mexico now claims he told authorities it was ‘highly likely’ that he had physical contact with the accusers.
Busfield has denied the allegations and told TMZ in a video: ‘They’re all lies and I did not do anything to those little boys, and I’m gonna fight it.’
‘I’m gonna be exonerated, I know I am, because this is all so wrong and lies,’ he continued.
Gilbert, 61, has received public support in the wake of the news with One Day at a Time star Glenn Scarpelli posting a message of love and friendship.
His comments came as Gilbert faced backlash after the brand she co-founded, Modern Prarie, uploaded a video of her giving a tour of the company’s test kitchen fridge amid her husband’s criminal charges.
Melissa Gilbert has received public support amid her husband Timothy Busfield’s arrest for child sex abuse allegations
Busfield faces charges of criminal sexual contact of a minor child under 13 and child abuse
Alongside the video, the brand claimed in the caption that viewers had been asking to see inside. It was posted on the Modern Prarie’s official Instagram page.
Sharing a throwback photo of them together along with fellow child actress Lisa Whelchel, Scarpelli, 59, said: ‘Loving my ol’ Friend Melissa Gilbert right now.
‘No commentary, just love… That is all…’
He concluded the caption with hashtags, including #love #support #friendship #melissagilbert.
Fellow fans also voiced their messages of support for Gilbert in the comments.
One wrote: ‘Well said, such a tough time for her.’
‘Oh, man, yes to this,’ another added. ‘My heart is with her right now.’
‘Melissa has always been one of my favorite child actresses and I that you and she are still close friends, Glenn,’ continued a third.
One Day at a Time was a sitcom that aired from 1975 to 1984 and starred Bonnie Franklin, Mackenzie Phillips and Valerie Bertinelli.
One Day at a Time star Glenn Scarpelli posted a message showing support to Gilbert
Scarpelli and Gilbert posed with fellow child star Lisa Whelchel in the throwback photo
‘Loving my ol’ Friend Melissa Gilbert right now,’ Scarpelli wrote in the caption
Scarpelli is best known for his role as Alex Handris on the CBS show, which aired at the same time as Gilbert’s Little House on the Prairie.
Gilbert has been married to fellow television star Busfield since 2013.
She did not attend her husband’s arraignment in Albuquerque on January 14.
In a statement earlier this week, a representative for the actress said she ‘is honoring the request of Tim’s lawyers not to speak publicly while the legal process unfolds.
‘During this period, her focus is on supporting and caring for their very large family, as they navigate this moment.’
‘Melissa stands with and supports her husband and will address the public at an appropriate time,’ the representative added. ‘We ask that their privacy be respected.’
Busfield is due back in court on January 20, when a judge will determine whether to grant the prosecution’s motion for him to remain in custody until trial.
For now, he is being held without bond.
Disclaimer: This news article has been republished exactly as it appeared on its original source, without any modification. We do not take any responsibility for its content, which remains solely the responsibility of the original publisher.
Disclaimer: This news article has been republished exactly as it appeared on its original source, without any modification.
We do not take any responsibility for its content, which remains solely the responsibility of the original publisher.
Author: uaetodaynews
Published on: 2026-01-16 16:50:00
Source: uaetodaynews.com