Melissa Gilbert is speaking out about the controversy surrounding her husband, Timothy Busfield. The TV actor defended Busfield, denying allegations of child sex abuse.
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In her first interview, she said that their life "as we knew it is done." The past few week has been "hell" as Gilbert describes it. She said, "This has been the most traumatizing experience of our lives." In January, police arrested him for allegedly engaging in unlawful sexual conduct with two 11-year-old boys.
He met both on The Cleaning Lady while directing. He was also indicted on four counts of criminal sexual contact. The actor pleaded not guilty to the charges.
"Our life as we knew it is done," Gilbert continued. "We are grieving what we had — all of our plans, all of our dreams, all of our ideas, all of our projects. For Tim, it's done. He's canceled. Even if he's exonerated, he will always be that guy."
Melissa Gilbert Defends Husband
Gilbert does not believe that her husband hurt any children.
"[He's] the last person in the world who would hurt a child," she said. "And believe me, if I thought for a second that Tim Busfield hurt a child, he'd have a lot more to worry about than prison."
Gilbert continues to stand by her husband through the case. In January, authorities arrested Busfield. He has since been released with the stipulation that he avoid minors, avoid contact with the alleged victims, and is prohibited from weapons, alcohol, or drugs.
Gilbert called Busfield my love, my rock, my partner in business and life." She said she knows him "better and more intimately than anything in his life ever has."
"I only want this extraordinary man safe and whole," she wrote at the time in a letter. "Please, please, take care of my sweet husband."
Busfield and Gilbert married in 2014. They share five children from previous partnerships. Gilbert continues to support her husband despite the allegations against them. Busfield will have his day in court where he will get the opportunity to share his side of things. Ultimately, the court will decide if he's guilty.
