Melissa Gilbert Issues Statement Following Husband Timothy Busfield’s Release From Jail Pending Trial

Melissa Gilbert is officially speaking out after her husband, Timothy Busfield, was formally released from jail pending trial, stemming from charges in his child sex abuse scandal.

The "Little House on the Prairie" star took to social media via a lengthy statement after the arrest, jail stay, and release of her husband in the wake of inappropriate allegations with minors.

Melissa Gilbert Posted A Message On Social Media Addressing Her Husband's Legal Issues

On Monday, January 26, via her Modern Prairie production company, Melissa Gilbert issued an official statement on Instagram following the allegations and arrest of her husband, actor-director Timothy Busfield.

"I'm sending you all my love and gratitude during this extraordinarily difficult time," Gilbert's message began. "Not only for Tim, me and our family, but in the collective heaviness so many of us seem to be carrying right now. Add an unexpected storm to the mix, and it can all feel like a bit too much."

"This season has reminded me, very clearly, how important it is to slow down, prioritize what truly matters, and allow ourselves moments of rest. Stepping back from the noise, the news, and even our daily responsibilities from time to time gives us space to recharge, reflect, and find our center again," the actress continued.

Gilbert ended her message by thanking her fans for supporting her and Busfield amid allegations that sent shockwaves through Hollywood earlier this month.

"Thank you, truly, for the love, patience, and support you continue to show Tim and me," her message read." Thank you for helping me to feel safer, more grounded, and deeply held by this extraordinary community of women here at Modern Prairie. I'll be easing back into things thoughtfully and with care - moving forward one step at a time. More to come, and so much gratitude always."

Gilbert Was A Source Of Support For Busfield In The Courtroom

During the court proceedings to determine whether or not Busfield would be released from jail, Gilbert was visibly emotional as she sat alongside family members at the hearing.

Once the judge announced his decision to release Busfield from custody with restrictions, the actress was seen clasping her hands together and saying, "Thank you, God."

Ahead of the hearing, Gilbert and some of Busfield's former co-stars all wrote letters of support for him, with her written declaration pleading with the judge to protect him while in custody.

"I know Tim better and more intimately than anything in his life ever has," Gilbert's letter read, while emphasizing that he has the "strongest moral compass of any human I have ever known…He starts every day with kindness and compassion."

"Please, please, take care of my sweet husband. As he is my protector, I am his, but I cannot protect him now, and I think that, more than anything else, is what is truly breaking my heart. I am relying on you to protect him for me," she continued.

Timothy Busfield In 'Better Mood' After Jail Release

One day after "The West Wing" star was released from jail, his attorney spoke exclusively to PEOPLE about his client's mindset and that of his wife.

Larry Stein, Busfield's attorney, shared that the couple is "still in shock that it happened to them and they're still distressed," but added that they are "in a better mood than they were yesterday before he was released."

Stein also stressed the importance of supporters who helped with information regarding Busfield's case.

"We couldn't have done it without people volunteering to give us information. I got totally unsolicited emails and calls and letters from people. We did our work to try to get it together, but the outpouring of support and the number of people who are willing to put themselves on the line for him is really remarkable, because it's a very brave thing to do," he told the outlet.

Hairstylist Retracted Previous Comments About Busfield's Behavior

A hairstylist who worked on the set of Fox's "The Cleaning Lady," where the alleged incident involving the two minors took place, walked back her comments, claiming that she saw Busfield be inappropriate with other minors.

Per Us Weekly, Danielle Vigil clarified her previous comments about what she allegedly witnessed while working on the show where Busfield acted as director.

"I am providing this statement to clarify the circumstances surrounding a recorded conversation with a detective and the subsequent characterization of my words," Vigil said.

"My intention was never to speculate, accuse, or harm anyone, but to speak truthfully about my own perceptions as requested," she continued.

Vigil also explained that if she knew that the conversation she had with authorities was being recorded, she "would have chosen my language more carefully and ensured that my statements were fully contextualized."

Resurfaced Audio Could Help Busfield's Case

TMZ obtained audio from November 2024, in which the two minor brothers were questioned by authorities regarding their encounters with Busfield. The actor's legal team believes that the evidence contradicts previous statements from the victims.

A police officer asked the minors multiple questions, including: "So, you know what is right and wrong, right? You know no one can touch your private areas?"

One of the boys replied, "Yeah, but he doesn't touch those parts." The other added, "No, he's never touched me... never."