Melissa Gilbert is standing by her husband, Timothy Busfield, after the embattled “West Wing” actor turned himself in to New Mexico authorities on child 𝒔𝒆𝒙 𝓪𝓫𝓾𝓼𝓮 charges.
The “Little House on the Prairie” alum said she is now focused on supporting her husband and caring for their “very large” family after Busfield surrendered Tuesday to Albuquerque police for allegedly engaging in unlawful 𝒔𝒆𝒙𝒖𝒂𝒍 conduct with 11-year-old twin boys while directing “The Cleaning Lady” in 2024.
“Melissa Gilbert is not making public statements at this time,” the 61-year-old’s representative, Ame Van Iden, said in a statement to The Post.
Melissa Gilbert is standing by her husband, Timothy Busfield, after the embattled “West Wing” actor turned himself in to authorities on child 𝒔𝒆𝒙 𝓪𝓫𝓾𝓼𝓮 charges.The Washington Post via Getty Images
Busfield’s mugshot released by police after he turned himself in on Jan. 13, 2026.Bernalillo County District Attorney
“Any purported ‘statements’ circulating online — including AI-generated 𝒹𝑒𝑒𝓅𝒻𝒶𝓀𝑒’s on her ‘breaking her silence’ — should not be treated as coming from her. She is honoring the request of Tim’s lawyers not to speak publicly while the legal process unfolds.
“During this period, her focus is on supporting and caring for their very large family, as they navigate this moment. Melissa stands with and supports her husband and will address the public at an appropriate time. We ask that their privacy be respected.”
Busfield turned himself in to the Albuquerque Police Department after cops alleged he engaged in unlawful 𝒔𝒆𝒙𝒖𝒂𝒍 conduct with 11-year-old twin boys.Chris Pizzello/Invision/AP
Busfield, best known for his role as Danny Concannon on HBO’s political 𝒹𝓇𝒶𝓂𝒶 “The West Wing,” faces two counts of criminal misconduct against a minor — one for each child — and child 𝓪𝓫𝓾𝓼𝓮, according to a warrant issued Friday by New Mexico police.
The “Revenge of the Nerds” actor denied the “horrible” accusations, insisting that he “did not do anything to those little boys” while directing the FOX series in a video message his lawyer shared with TMZ ahead of his arrest.
“I’m going to confront these lies, they’re horrible,” Busfield, 68, said in the clip.
“They are all lies and I did not do anything to those little boys. And I’m going to fight it. I’m going to fight it with a great team, and I’m going to be exonerated. I know I am because this is all so wrong and all lies.
“So hang in there, and hopefully I’m out real soon and back to work. I love everybody for supporting me.”
Melissa Gilbert and Timothy Busfield at the Monte Carlo Television Festival on June 20, 2023.Best Image / BACKGRID
He is accused of inappropriately touching one of the boys three or four times, and the other five or six times, according to the warrant.
The alleged 𝓪𝓫𝓾𝓼𝓮 began in 2022, when the boys were 7 years old, according to court documents.