Melissa Gilbert is going back to work as Chief Creative Officer for her lifestyle brand, Modern Prairie. She had temporarily stepped down to support her family while her husband, Timothy Busfield, faced accusations of child sexual abuse.
John Busfield, 68, is facing accusations of inappropriate contact with twin boys while working on the set of the TV show The Cleaning Lady in Albuquerque between November 2022 and spring 2024. He strongly denies these claims.
It’s a really complex situation. Last month, he voluntarily turned himself in to authorities, but thankfully, he was recently released – I heard his wife, Gilbert, was absolutely overjoyed when the judge made the decision. However, it’s important to know that a grand jury has since indicted him on four counts related to sexual contact with a child, so the legal process is still ongoing.
In a video announcing she’s back, 61-year-old Gilbert emphasized that her work hasn’t lessened her dedication to supporting her family through their difficulties. She also expressed gratitude for the prayers and support she’s received during this challenging time.
Gilbert, who has supported her husband during this difficult time, addressed the camera and expressed her gratitude for the community’s kindness and well wishes.
Hi everyone. I wanted to share a personal update. As many of you know, I took some time away to focus on my family. It was a much-needed break to be fully present with them, prioritize what’s important, and recharge during a challenging period.
Family means the world to me, and I especially relied on that during a recent hardship. But I also found strength in all of you. This amazing community at Modern Prairie surrounded me with love and support, even when I didn’t say much. I truly felt your prayers, encouragement, and unwavering presence.
We’re so grateful for everyone who makes our community special – from the skilled artisans who create our beautiful pieces, to our dedicated team who thoughtfully lead our events and discussions, and especially to the incredible women who support each other every day.
Modern Prairie is all about women lifting each other up – not just during the good times, but especially when things are tough. Returning to work won’t change my dedication to my family’s future; that commitment remains strong and central to who I am. However, it’s also important for me to focus on this work because it empowers me, gives me a sense of purpose, and reminds me of my identity, even when I’m facing challenges.
Being away for a while helped me remember what truly matters about this community. It’s not just about what we sell or the events we hold – it’s about the support and connection we share, whether it’s in kitchens, living rooms, or even during difficult times like hospital stays and long conversations. It’s about respect, empathy, and resilience. I’m incredibly proud to continue this journey with all of you, so let’s get back to work together.
The video’s description, shared on Gilbert’s Modern Prairie account, explained that with Melissa returning as Chief Creative Officer, the company’s core mission stays the same: to create a lifestyle brand based on connection, creativity, respect, and resilience.
I’ve always loved Modern Prairie because it’s never been about a single person – it’s about us, a community. It’s about all of our stories, and especially about women lifting each other up, no matter what stage of life we’re in. What they do – creating beautiful things, hosting events that really mean something, and building spaces where we all feel truly seen and inspired – that’s what keeps me coming back. That’s just who they are.
We’re staying true to our goals and working together as a team. #modernprairie #melissagilbert #backtowork #womensupportingwomen #monday
The director of The Cleaning Lady, Busfield, has been accused of inappropriately touching twin boys – known in court records as VL and SL – while on set.
Last month, Busfield was arrested and charged with two counts of sexually abusing a minor and one count of child abuse. These charges stem from incidents that allegedly occurred while he was working as a director on the set of the TV show, The Cleaning Lady.
He claims the accusations against him aren’t true. His lawyers say the parents of the children are making these claims out of spite, because their kids were removed from the TV show.
After a warrant was issued for his arrest in New Mexico, Busfield surrendered to authorities and was taken into custody.
He was released from jail on January 20th. His wife, whom he married in April 2013, has been a steadfast supporter since he surrendered to the police on January 13th.
During the January 20th hearing, Gilbert was present in the courtroom with her mother, Barbara Cowan, her son, Michael Boxleitner, and Larry Stein, Busfield’s attorney.
When the judge said Busfield could go free without bail, Gilbert, overcome with emotion, clasped her hands together and quietly said, ‘Thank you, God.’
Busfield was granted a temporary release, but it comes with certain requirements. He’s permitted to return home, but he must attend all future court dates and notify the court of his location.
He is not allowed to have any contact with the people he allegedly harmed or their families. He also can’t be alone with children, and is prohibited from owning guns or weapons, or using alcohol or illegal drugs.
Earlier this month a grand jury indicted Busfield on four counts of sexual contact with a child.
A grand jury in Bernalillo County indicted the celebrity, according to the district attorney.
According to the District Attorney, the Special Victims Unit will handle the prosecution of this case.
District Attorney Sam Bregman promised to prioritize the safety of children and seek justice for victims. Prosecutors anticipate the Busfield case will proceed to trial, according to Bregman’s office.
During therapy, one of the boys told a therapist that Busfield had touched him inappropriately. Police obtained these therapy records as part of their investigation.
In a video shared before turning himself in, Busfield called the allegations lies.
The actor stated he intends to challenge what he calls false accusations. He strongly denied any wrongdoing involving the boys and vowed to defend himself against these claims, describing them as terrible lies.
During a court hearing on January 20th, Assistant District Attorney Savannah Brandenburg-Koch described the evidence of abuse against Busfield as both strong and detailed.
Brandenburg-Koch also noted that witnesses were worried about getting back at them if they spoke up, and about potential damage to their careers.
Oh my gosh, you guys, it’s confirmed! The prosecutor said the boys’ stories totally check out – the doctors have seen everything, and their therapist backs them up too! She said they weren’t making things up or embellishing anything, they were just… specific. It’s all so clear now, I knew they were telling the truth!
However, Busfield’s lawyers emphasized that the children originally told police the actor had not touched them in any inappropriate way.
After the boys were removed from the show, their parents were accused of telling them what to say to protect themselves, leading to statements that seemed like admissions of guilt.
Alan Caudillo, the director of photography for The Cleaning Lady, stated that children on set were always supervised and never left unattended with anyone. He also explained that parents actually encouraged their children to hug the adults working on the show.
Busfield has provided letters of support regarding his character, and his lawyers state he passed a lie detector test conducted by an independent examiner.
New Mexico is one of the few states where polygraph results can be presented as evidence in criminal trials, but the judge ultimately decides if it’s allowed. There are very specific rules that must be followed for this evidence to be accepted in court.
Busfield is known for appearances in The West Wing, Field of Dreams and Thirtysomething.
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2026-02-17 02:05