Melissa Gilbert Opens Up About Childhood Trauma Just Before Timothy Busfield’s Arrest Warrant

Melissa Gilbert (left) and Timothy Busfield (right) in 2023.
Credit :

Stephane Cardinale – Corbis/Corbis via Getty

Key Points

• Melissa Gilbert recently highlighted child sex abuse on social media, shortly before her husband, Timothy Busfield, was issued an arrest warrant on charges related to criminal sexual contact with minors.
• The actress’s post came after comments made by Megyn Kelly regarding convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
• Gilbert and Busfield, known for their roles in Little House on the Prairie and The West Wing, respectively, have been married since 2013.

Melissa Gilbert addressed the issue of child sex abuse in a recent social media post, mere weeks before her husband Timothy Busfield faced an arrest warrant linked to two counts of criminal sexual contact with a minor and one count of child abuse.

According to an arrest warrant released by the Albuquerque Police Department, authorities allege that Busfield, 68, engaged in unlawful sexual conduct with two boys, 11-year-old twins, whose identities have been withheld. One twin claims that the incidents began when he was just 7 years old.

In a November 15 Instagram post, Gilbert, 61, reflected on her own childhood experiences, sharing a throwback photo. She discussed a past role in Little House on the Prairie, where she filmed scenes with an older actor, Dean Butler.

Gilbert wrote, “So, I debated posting this but I feel compelled to share. After seeing many women’s posts with the hashtags #iwasfifteen #imfifteen #iwasachild, I decided to Google search myself at that age and see what came up. And this is some of what I found.”

She continued, expressing her current feelings regarding that time in her life: “And now, at this age, I am actually nauseated. The girl on vacation in Hawaii with her family, is the same girl who was expected to ‘fall in love with’ and kiss a man on film who was several years older than she was.”

Gilbert emphasized, “Through the lens of today, this is shocking. I have no words other than to say, ‘I WAS A CHILD.’ Thank God my mom and Michael [Landon Sr.] were there to make sure I was safe.”

As of now, representatives for both Busfield and Gilbert have not responded to requests for comment.

The investigation into Busfield began in November 2024, triggered by a report from a doctor at the University of New Mexico Hospital concerning suspected sexual abuse. According to the warrant, the twins met Busfield on the set of the FOX series The Cleaning Lady, where he served as director.

The victims’ parents reportedly informed authorities that their children were child actors and mentioned that professionals at the hospital suggested the boys had been “groomed.” Despite these claims, it was determined that the case did not meet the criteria for intervention at that time.

In October 2025, the boys’ mother filed a police report stating that her children disclosed the sexual abuse by Busfield starting from around November 2022 to spring 2024. However, she was informed that since no physical abuse had been reported, no action could be taken.

During questioning, Busfield purportedly claimed that the parents were upset about their sons being replaced by a younger actor auditioning for the role. Previously, he faced other sexual assault allegations dating back to 1994, which did not lead to charges.

Melissa Gilbert in 2020.

Roy Rochlin/Getty 

Earlier this year, Gilbert recalled that she and Busfield first met in the 1980s, later reconnecting in the 1990s, before they began dating in 2012. At that time, Gilbert was recently single after her marriage to Bruce Boxleitner.

Last April, Gilbert celebrated her 12th wedding anniversary with Busfield, commemorating the occasion with heartfelt messages on social media.

In her tribute, she reflected on their years together, stating, “12 years of true partnership, love, laughter, compassion, commitment, and passion… How lucky I am. I love you @timbusfield.”

For those in need of support regarding child abuse, resources are available, including the Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline, which offers both confidential and toll-free assistance.