An audio recording has surfaced, capturing Melissa Gilbert lashing out at the parents of two children who accused her husband, Timothy Busfield, of sexual abuse.
The furious footage of the actress was released after she gave her first interview since Busfield’s brief arrest, saying their life is “done,” even if the actor is cleared of the charges.
Melissa Gilbert noted that she didn’t speak out before now to honor the request of his lawyers, but decided to address the situation now because they’ve been “hearing and reading too much untruth.”
Melissa Gilbert Joined Her Husband For A Police Interview Months Before His Arrest
Gilbert went off on the parents of two children who accused her husband, Busfield, of abuse.
The actor-director was arrested briefly after being officially charged with child sex abuse on January 9, in connection with the alleged incidents involving minors, which are said to have occurred on the set of Fox’s “The Cleaning Lady.”
In a November 2025 interview with Albuquerque Police detective Marvin Brown, the “Little House on the Prairie” star joined her husband for the session and sounded angry while addressing the parents of her husband’s accusers.
“You’re here with my wife, Melissa Gilbert, and I,” Busfield tells the detective on the call before Brown goes ahead to read him his Miranda rights.
Elsewhere in their conversation, the actor told the detective that he was never alone with the boys and that all he wanted to do was to create a playful environment on the set of the film.
“It’s ridiculous that I would ever be inappropriate with the little boys,” Busfield said in the recording obtained by USA Today.
The Actress Slammed Parents Of Her Husband’s Accusers While Defending His Approach To Creating A Playful Environment
During the interview, Gilbert defended her husband and shared her belief that the case won’t help the alleged victims/
“It’s cruel, and it’s vindictive, and it’s disgusting. And in my opinion, that does nothing to help these children. It only hurts them,” she told the cop.
The actress seemingly approved of the way Busfield handled things on the set of the film, as she described it as friendly, while also explaining that he only wanted to make them comfortable.
“It’s really important that the kids feel comfortable with the people they’re working with. So, it’s just standard practice to become as friendly with them as possible so that they trust you, so they open up on screen,” she told Brown. “I always admired the way Tim works with children because he makes them so comfortable.”
Melissa Gilbert Hinted That She And Timothy Busfield Used To Be Close With The Parents
Gilbert hinted that she and her husband used to be close to the parents of the boys, and would often host cast parties in their house that had the boys and their parents in attendance. Sometimes, they’ll also attend other parties hosted by the families of other cast and crew members.
“Adorable boys. They’re boys,” she said. “They’re cute, fun little boys. I mean, I’ve Christmas shopped for them. I know them.”
“These are good kids,” Busfield added. “These are good kids.”
The couple then blamed the parents for what they believe is a legal witch hunt, particularly because the boys were recast at some point, causing them to lose out on the money they were being paid.
“It’s Warner Brothers Safety Protocol as it is probably legally … that establishes that precedent where you’re never alone (with children),” Busfield stated.
Timothy Busfield Said There Was ‘No Protocol’ For Touching Children On Set
The actor noted that there was no protocol for touching children on set, and he did not particularly need one as he hoped to promote a “playful environment.”
“Whether I’d tickle the kids or tell them they did a great job, it was like a coach. I would treat them like a coach. That was my job. Great on this, great on that, all positive,” he told police.
When asked if he tickled or hugged the children on set, Busfield replied: “I don’t remember overtly tickling the boys ever, but it wouldn’t be uncommon for me to.”
“What is the protocol for touching children and picking them up and touching?” Brown asked him.
“It’s not not allowed at all. There’s no protocol. I mean, I’m always around people. It would be in front of the parents. There would never (be) a weird moment about it. I don’t really remember picking those boys up,” Busfield said. “It’s disgusting. Never anything of any sexual, any weird ever with them. Just that’s disgusting.”
Busfield has since denied the charges brought against him. On February 6, a New Mexico grand jury formally charged him with four counts of criminal sexual contact involving a child. His trial is now set for May 2027.
Melissa Gilbert Calls Her Husband’s Side Of The Story ‘The Truth’
The actress recently sat for an interview on “Good Morning America,” where she lamented the controversy plaguing her husband.
“Our life, as we knew it, is done,” she said. “We are grieving what we had. All of our plans, all of our dreams, all of our ideas, all of our projects − for Tim, it’s done. He’s canceled. Even if he’s exonerated, he will always be that guy.”
During the interview, hosted by George Stephanopoulos, the actress also admitted that the accusations were not new to her, noting she married Busfield fully aware of the past allegations.
“When Tim and I got together, the internet existed. I didn’t go into my relationship blind. I’m neither naive nor am I complicit,” Gilbert said, per The Blast.
She continued, “I talked to him about it. I asked him questions about it. I heard his side of the story — which nobody has ever heard — which is the truth. And when the time is right, and that is not now, Tim will tell the truth of all of these past allegations when he needs to.”