- - Melissa Gilbert Deletes Social Media Amid Husband Timothy Busfield’s Child Sex Abuse Allegations

Miu von FurstenbergJanuary 12, 2026 at 7:30 AM

0

Actress Melissa Gilbert has deactivated her Instagram account following the issuance of an arrest warrant for her husband, actor and director Timothy Busfield, on serious child sex abuse charges.

The social media deletion occurred on Saturday, January 10, just one day after the Albuquerque Police Department issued the warrant. Users attempting to access Gilbert’s Instagram page now encounter a message indicating the profile is unavailable or has been removed.

Melissa Gilbert during the 62nd Monte Carlo TV Festival in Monte-Carlo. on June 20, 2023. Photo Credit: Abaca Press/INSTARimagesArrest Warrant Details

The warrant alleges that Busfield, 68, engaged in unlawful sexual conduct with two 11-year-old twin boys. According to court documents obtained by multiple news outlets, one of the alleged victims reported that the abuse began when he was seven years old.

The boys reportedly met Busfield while working as child actors on the Fox series “The Cleaning Lady,” where Busfield served as a director. The series aired from January 2022 through June 2025.

Busfield faces two counts of criminal sexual contact of a minor and one count of child abuse. Police are actively seeking his arrest.

Investigation Timeline

The investigation into the allegations began in November 2024 after a doctor at the University of New Mexico Hospital alerted authorities about a potential case of sexual abuse. The victims’ parents told police that professionals suggested their children had been groomed.

Melissa Gilbert and Timothy Busfield at the 62nd Monte Carlo TV Festival – Nominees Party in Monte-Carlo on June 19, 2022. Photo Credit: Abaca Press/INSTARimages

According to the arrest warrant, Busfield participated in a phone interview with detectives on November 3, 2025. Gilbert was present during this interview and on speakerphone. During the call, Busfield reportedly claimed that the children’s mother was seeking revenge because her sons were not invited back for the show’s final season.

Gilbert’s Prior Statements

In a notable coincidence, Gilbert had spoken out against child sexual abuse just weeks before the arrest warrant was issued. On November 15, the Little House on the Prairie star shared an Instagram post reflecting on her own experiences as a child actress.

In that post, Gilbert discussed working opposite an older love interest as a teenager on the beloved series. She expressed shock at the situation through today’s lens, writing that she was just a child at fifteen years old.

Melissa Gilbert at the 40th Annual DGA Honors in New York City, 11/16/03 — Photo by everett225/depositphotos.com

Gilbert’s post came in response to comments made by Megyn Kelly about convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. The actress concluded her message by warning Kelly to “be careful with your words.”

Social Media Response

Before deactivating her account, Gilbert’s most recent Instagram posts were flooded with comments from followers. Many expressed worry for the actress, while others demanded she address the allegations against her husband.

Gilbert’s Modern Prairie lifestyle brand Instagram page, which she co-founded, remains active. Busfield’s personal Instagram account, which he rarely uses, also remains publicly accessible.

No Official Statements

As of Sunday, January 11, neither Melissa Gilbert nor Timothy Busfield has released a public statement regarding the allegations or arrest warrant. Representatives for both have not responded to media requests for comment.

Melissa Gilbert and Timothy Busfield arrive at the New York Premiere Of Relativity Media And Peacock’s ‘The Independent’ held at the IPIC Fulton Market NYC Theater on November 1, 2022 in Manhattan, New York City, New York, United States. — Photo by Jordan Hinton/Image Press Agency/depositphotos.com

Warner Bros. Television, which produced The Cleaning Lady, issued a statement emphasizing their commitment to cast and crew safety. The company stated they take all misconduct allegations seriously and will continue cooperating with law enforcement.

Gilbert and Busfield married in 2013 after reconnecting at a bar the previous year. Last April, Gilbert celebrated their 12th wedding anniversary with a tribute to her husband on Instagram.

The investigation remains ongoing as authorities work to locate and arrest Busfield.

EDITOR’S PICKS

Amanda Seyfried Was Very Confused as to Why Timothée Chalamet Thanked Kylie Jenner in Awards Speech

Michael B. Jordan Reveals Therapy Was Essential After Black Panther Villain Role

Andy Cohen Addresses New Year’s Eve Plastic Surgery Speculation

Original Article on Source

Source: “AOL Entertainment”