Melissa Gilbert speaks out on Timothy Busfield's child sexual contact charges: 'Traumatizing experience'
ABC News • • entertainment
Key Points:
- Actress Melissa Gilbert spoke publicly for the first time about the child sexual contact charges against her husband, actor Timothy Busfield, describing the experience as "the most traumatizing" of their lives and expressing disbelief in the allegations.
- Busfield was indicted in February on four counts of criminal sexual contact of a child related to incidents on the set of "The Cleaning Lady" in New Mexico; he has pleaded not guilty and denies the accusations.
- Busfield's attorney criticized the prosecution, calling the case "fundamentally unsound" and expressing confidence in contesting the charges in court, while the Bernalillo County District Attorney's Office emphasized its commitment to victims and ethical prosecution.
- Gilbert stated that their life has been irrevocably changed by the charges and that even if Busfield is exonerated, public perception will be permanently affected.
- Busfield's trial is scheduled for May 2027, and Gilbert's full interview discussing the situation aired on ABC's "Good Morning America" on April 6.
