At a Glance
- The Little House on the Prairie 50th Anniversary Podcast host called it a “tough week in the U.S. of A” on the January 15 episode
- Timothy Busfield, husband of Melissa Gilbert (Laura Ingalls), was arrested January 13 on two counts of criminal sexual contact of a minor and one count of child abuse
- The podcast did not name Busfield or Gilbert, but host Pamela Bob praised the show for making her feel “comforted and warm”
- Why it matters: The arrest has cast a shadow over the beloved series’ milestone celebration, with Gilbert publicly supporting her husband
The Little House on the Prairie 50th Anniversary Podcast addressed the arrest of Timothy Busfield-husband of series star Melissa Gilbert-without naming either party, as the cast continues to celebrate the show’s legacy amid controversy.
Host Praises Show’s Comfort During “Tough Week”
Host Pamela Bob opened the Thursday, January 15 episode by reflecting on the series’ positive impact during what she described as a “tough week in the U.S. of A.” She spoke with original cast members Dean Butler (Almanzo Wilder) and Alison Arngrim (Nellie Oleson) about the show’s enduring comfort.
“And I was so glad to watch Little House on the Prairie to feel comforted and warm, and safe, and like there is love and compassion in this universe,” Bob said. “So, yay, Little House.”
The conversation avoided any direct mention of Busfield’s arrest or the charges against him.
Busfield Arrest Details
On January 13, Busfield surrendered to Albuquerque police after a warrant was issued for his arrest. Prosecutors charged him with:
- Two counts of criminal sexual contact of a minor
- One count of child abuse
The allegations involve twin 11-year-old boys he worked with while directing the FOX series The Cleaning Lady.
In a video statement recorded the same day, Busfield denied the charges and claimed he was confronting “horrible lies.”
“I’m sure most of you know, that are watching this, that I was ordered to come to Albuquerque – I’m here now. I got the call Friday night, I had to get a lawyer,” he said. “Saturday I got in the car, drove 2,000 miles to Albuquerque. I’m gonna confront these lies. They’re horrible.”
Court Proceedings
Busfield appeared in court on January 14, where a judge ordered him held without bond pending a pretrial detention hearing. The hearing must occur within five business days, with a January 29 deadline for his preliminary hearing.
According to News Of Losangeles‘s reporting, prosecutors filed a motion seeking to keep Busfield detained while awaiting trial. The motion also alleged that Busfield faced accusations 25 years ago of sexually abusing a 16-year-old girl while involved with a California theater company. No charges resulted from those allegations.
The theater company later confirmed they investigated the claims and that Busfield had no involvement with the organization since 2001.
Gilbert’s Response
Melissa Gilbert, who played Laura Ingalls on the original series, issued a statement through representative Ame Van Iden on January 13 expressing support for her husband.
“Melissa Gilbert is not making public statements at this time,” the statement began. “Any purported ‘statements’ circulating online – including AI-generated deepfakes of her ‘breaking her silence’ – should not be treated as coming from her.”
The statement continued: “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.”
Legal Consequences
If convicted on the current charges, Busfield faces up to 15 years in prison.
His civil attorney Larry Stein addressed the 25-year-old allegation in the pretrial detention motion, telling News Of Losangeles: “The allegations were never challenged, they were never proved, and they’re 25 years old. And there doesn’t seem to be any connection between these allegations regarding women 25 years ago and the allegations regarding these young boys.”
The case continues to develop as the entertainment industry watches how one of television’s most beloved families handles a crisis during their milestone celebration.
