Melissa Gilbert announces return to work after taking hiatus to 'gather my strength' amid husband Timothy Busfield's child sex abuse charges

Melissa Gilbert will be returning to her role as Chief Creative Officer at her lifestyle brand Modern Prairie after stepping away 'to focus on my family' amid her husband Timothy Busfield's child sex abuse charges. 

Busfield, 68, has been accused of inappropriately touching two twin boys on the set of The Cleaning Lady while filming in Albuquerque between November 2022 and spring 2024. He has vehemently denied all the allegations.

He turned himself in last month but has since been released from custody, with his devoted wife Gilbert weeping with joy when a judge allowed him to walk free. Busfield has since been indicted on four counts of sexual contact with a child by a grand jury. 

In video announcing her return, Gilbert, 61, stressed her work did not 'change my commitment' towards the challenges her family has been facing and thanked followers for sending 'prayers' and support amidst the trial. 

Sitting in front of a camera, Gilbert, who has stood by her husband throughout the allegations, thanked the community for all their support and 'prayers' amidst the upheaval. 

'Hi everyone. I wanted to take a moment to speak to you directly,' the Little House on the Prairie actress said in the Instagram video. 'As many of you know, I stepped away for a little while to focus on my family. It was time I needed, time to be present, to tend to what matters most and to gather my strength in a season that has not been easy.

'Family is everything to me, and during this incredibly difficult time, I leaned into that truth fully. But something else carried me too - You did. This extraordinary community at Modern Prairie, you wrapped me in love, even when I was quiet, I felt your prayers, I felt your encouragement, I felt your steady presence. 

'From our artisans, the talented hands and hearts who continue to create such beautiful, meaningful pieces, to our trusted Prairian team who lead our circles, our events, our conversations with such care and integrity, to the women in this community who show up every single day not just for me but for one another.

'That is what Modern Prairie is: Women supporting women, not just when it's easy, and especially when it's hard. Coming back to work does not change my commitment or my resolve to the journey that lies ahead for my family. That remains steadfast, that remains my heart. But it is important for me to step back into this work. It strengthens my mindset, it gives me purpose, it reminds me of who I am beyond hard days.

'This time away reminded me why we built this space in the first place. It's more than products, it's more than events, it's more than a brand — it's a lifeline, it's a connection, it's strength shared across kitchens and living rooms and hospital rooms and long phone calls. It's dignity, it's compassion, it's resolve. And I am so proud to walk forward with you, so let's get back at it together.'

The caption to the video, posted to Gilbert's Modern Prairie account, read: 'As Melissa steps back into her role as Chief Creative Officer, our purpose remains unchanged: building a lifestyle platform rooted in connection, creativity, dignity, and strength.

'Modern Prairie has always been about more than one person. It’s about community. It’s about shared stories. It’s about women supporting women through every season of life. Our work remains the same: to create meaningful products, thoughtful gatherings, and spaces where women feel seen, supported, and inspired. This is what we do.

'We remain grounded in our mission - together. #modernprairie #melissagilbert #backtowork #womensupportingwomen #monday.'

Busfield has been accused of inappropriately touching twin boys - identified only as VL and SL in court documents - on the set of The Cleaning Lady, which he directed.

Busfield was arrested last month on two counts of criminal sexual contact of a minor and one count of child abuse while working as a director on The Cleaning Lady set.

He has denied the allegations. His attorneys have also argued the allegations are part of a revenge plot manufactured by the boys' parents after the children lost their roles in the TV series. 

Busfield was booked into jail after a warrant was issued for his arrest in New Mexico and he turned himself in.

He was released from custody on January 20. Gilbert has stood firmly beside her husband, whom she wed in April 2013, since he turned himself into police on January 13.

At the hearing on January 20, Gilbert was there in the courtroom audience surrounded by her mom Barbara Cowan, her son Michael Boxleitner and Busfield’s civil lawyer Larry Stein.

When the judge announced his ruling that Busfield should be released on his own recognizance, a teary Gilbert clasped her hands and whispered, 'Thank you, God.'

Busfield’s reprieve comes with a list of conditions. While he is allowed to leave New Mexico to live at home, he must appear at all court proceedings and keep the court informed of his whereabouts.

He must have no contact with the alleged victims or their families and no unsupervised contact with any minor children, and he is forbidden from possessing any firearms or weapons, or consuming alcohol or illegal drugs.

Earlier this month a grand jury indicted Busfield on four counts of sexual contact with a child.

The charges were brought against the star by a grand jury in Bernalillo County, the district attorney announced.

The case will be prosecuted by the Special Victims Unit of the Bernalillo County District Attorney's Office, the DA said.

DA Sam Bregman has vowed to do 'everything possible to protect children and ensure justice for victims'. Busfield's case is expected to move forward to trial, Bregman's office added.

According to the criminal complaint, one of the boys disclosed during a therapy session that he was inappropriately touched by Busfield. Those records were obtained by police during the investigation.

In a video shared before turning himself in, Busfield called the allegations lies.

'I'm going to confront these lies. They're horrible. They're all lies, and I did not do anything to those little boys, and I'm going to fight it,' the actor said.

But Assistant District Attorney Savannah Brandenburg-Koch, during Busfield's court hearing on January 20, called evidence of abuse against him 'strong and specific'.

Brandenburg-Koch also said witnesses expressed fear about potential retaliation and professional harm.

'The boys' allegations are supported by medical findings and by their therapist,' the ADA said. 'Their accounts were specific and not exaggerated.'

Busfield's attorneys, however, pointed out that the children initially said during interviews with police that the actor didn't touch them inappropriately.

The defense then accused the boys' parents of coaching their children toward incriminating statements after the boys lost lucrative roles on the show.

Alan Caudillo, director of photography on The Cleaning Lady, testified that children on set were never left alone with individuals, and that the parents were the ones who encouraged hugs with adults on the set.

Busfield has submitted letters vouching for his character, and his attorneys say he passed an independent polygraph test.

Legal experts say New Mexico is among a few states that allow polygraph evidence in criminal cases, but a judge has final say over whether one can be used. There are strict requirements for admission in court.

Busfield is known for appearances in The West Wing, Field of Dreams and Thirtysomething.