Melissa Gilbert deletes social media as husband Timothy Busfield faces arrest for child sex abuse charges

Melissa Gilbert has fled social media following the news that her husband, Timothy Busfield, is facing arrest for child sex abuse charges.

The “Little House on the Prairie” actress, 61, no longer has active accounts on Instagram and Threads.

The link to her Instagram account now shows a message that reads, “Profile isn’t available. The link may be broken, or the profile may have been removed.”

Melissa Gilbert and Timothy Busfield attend the “Nymphes D’Or – Golden Nymphs” nominees party in 2023.Corbis via Getty Images
Melissa Gilbert and Timothy Busfield attend “The Butcher Boy” opening night in NYC in 2022.Getty Images

However, Gilbert’s Instagram account for her lifestyle brand, Modern Prairie, is still up and running.

 

The account posted a video on Saturday of Gilbert making a snow angel, with a motivational message in the caption.

“Saturday’s call: look for a sign … and when you find fresh snow, you make one,” the caption began.

“Today’s reminder is simple: do what matters — step outside, laugh a little louder, and make space for joy,” the message continued. “Because sometimes the most ‘grown-up’ thing we can do is drop into the moment and make snow angels like nobody’s watching.”

The Post has reached out to Gilbert and Busfield’s reps for comment.

Melissa Gilbert lying in the snow.officialmodernprairie/Instagram

An arrest warrant released Friday revealed that Busfield, 68, is wanted in New Mexico on two counts of criminal sexual contact of a minor and one count of child abuse.

The Albuquerque Police Department alleged that the “West Wing” alum engaged in unlawful sexual conduct with a pair of 11-year-old twins while directing the Fox show “The Cleaning Lady” in 2024.

Busfield, who worked on the program from 2022 to 2025 as a director, allegedly “grew closer to the boys” during their time shooting the show, according to the warrant.

Timothy Busfield attends Chiller Theatre Expo Spring 2022 in New Jersey.Getty Images
Timothy Busfield at the “For Life” New York premiere in 2020.ABC via Getty Images

He allegedly told the kids to call him “Uncle Tim” and tickled them on their stomach and legs, per the arrest warrant.

The doc states Busfield spoke to detectives on the phone about the allegations in November 2025 and said it was “highly likely” that he had “physical contact” with the boys.

“I don’t remember those boys,” he also said, according to the affidavit. “No, I don’t. I don’t actually, I don’t remember it, if it happened. I don’t remember overtly tickling the boys ever, but it wouldn’t be uncommon for me.”

Gilbert, who has been married to Busfield since 2013, allegedly listened in on her husband’s call with investigators via speaker phone, according to the affidavit. Gilbert is not accused of any wrongdoing.

It’s unclear if Busfield has been booked as of Monday morning.

Melissa Gilbert and Timothy Busfield attend the 62nd Monte Carlo TV Festival in 2023.Getty Images
Melissa Gilbert hugging her husband Timothy Busfield at the 62nd Monte Carlo TV Festival.Getty Images

Six months before the arrest warrant came out, Gilbert shared the secret to the couple’s long-lasting marriage on Jennie Garth’s “I Choose Me” podcast.

“I think it’s part and parcel of the fact that it’s a partnership, that we do everything with the other one in mind, and we are very considerate of one another and we respect each other immensely,” she said during the July 2025 episode. “And so there are no decisions that are made singularly.”

Melissa Gilbert seen during a segment of “Good Day New York” in February 2025.Getty Images

“Everything is discussed, shared, and there’s so much comfort in that, and it’s so much gentler and easier,” Gilbert added. “I mean, you know, we all have our moments, but they’re so few and far between with both of us. Even our arguments are constructive.”

During a 2023 interview with People, Gilbert opened up about her and Busfield’s joyous roles as grandparents.

Timothy Busfield and Melissa Gilbert pose for a portrait in February 2019.

Related Posts

When Constant Photos Sparked a Serious Family Issue

When my husband Mason suggested moving from New York to his quiet hometown in Pennsylvania, it sounded like a dream. Better schools, safe streets, and grandparents nearby…

A Community Mourns After a Life Lost During a Federal Operation

Minnesota has been shaken by a tragic incident that has left a community grieving and searching for answers. During a recent federal law enforcement operation in Minneapolis,…

Baking for Others Led to an Unexpected Surprise

Grief first led me to the kitchen, though I never expected it to shape my future. When I was sixteen, a winter night changed everything. A house…

Understanding Mature Relationships: Five Key Traits

With time, love changes from something we chase into something we come home to. After 60, many men are no longer focused on impressing others or proving…

When a Birthday Present Sparked a Moment of Concern

On my daughter Emma’s eighth birthday, I wanted nothing more than a joyful, simple day. The kitchen was filled with balloons, heart-shaped pancakes, and her laughter as…

A Remarkable Recovery After Doctors Gave a Low Chance of Survival

In 2022, a Texas family experienced a journey that tested their strength and hope in unimaginable ways. Steven Spinale, a devoted father and brother, had been feeling…

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *