Timothy Busfield’s fears that his arrest on allegations of child sexual abuse would also ruin his wife, Melissa Gilbert, appear to have come true.
The actor and director, 69, revealed in his grand jury testimony on Wednesday that he has been “canceled” and can no longer find work after he was indicted on four counts of criminal sexual contact of a minor under 13 in New Mexico.
Timothy told the 12-member jury that he hopes the allegations against him will not also taint his wife’s reputation, according to documents obtained by USA Today.
However, one day after his court appearance, Melissa announced that she will not be returning to her highly popular Hallmark series, When Calls the Heart.
“Many people have asked if I will be returning to When Calls the Heart this coming season. The answer to that is no I will not,” she wrote on Instagram on Thursday.
“I am told this is due to ‘budget issues.’ That said, I wish all my sweet friends in Hope Valley a wonderful and successful season 14.”
Captioning the post, she added: “I will be eternally grateful to my dear friend @michaellandonjr1 for giving me the chance to bring Georgie McGill to life,” referring to executive producer on the series, Michael Landon Jr., whose father, Michael Landon, played Charles Ingalls on Little House on the Prairie alongside Melissa.
“It was a lovely couple of seasons but it’s time to say farewell,” she added. “When one door closes, another one opens. Looking forward to whatever comes next.”
© Getty ImagesHallmark Channel said in a statement: “We can confirm that Melissa’s storyline on When Calls the Heart concluded in season 13. We adore Melissa and are always grateful when we get to work with her.”
Many of Melissa’s fans were upset by the news of her exit, with some claiming that “budget issues” is an excuse for Timothy’s legal issues.
“Budget issues is code for ‘we don’t want to support you during a very difficult period in your family’s life.’ Sorry this is happening to you! always supporting you and your family!” one commented.
© Getty ImagesA second said: “We all know that it is not budget issues. I’m sorry to hear this. I’ve really enjoyed growing up with you from ‘Little House’ to now. I wish you the best.”
A third added: “I’m so sorry, Melissa. I don’t believe for one second that it’s ‘budget issues’; more likely the holier-than-thou Hallmark Channel trying to protect their precious image.”
Timothy Busfield’s arrest
© Getty ImagesTimothy has pleaded not guilty to all the charges against him after surrendering to the Albuquerque Police Department on January 13 after a warrant was issued for his arrest, alleging he engaged in unlawful sexual conduct with 11-year-old twin boys between late 2022 and early 2024 when he was working as a director and producer on The Cleaning Lady in New Mexico.
© Getty Images“I didn’t do this,” he told the jury. “I have never, ever been inappropriate in any way, physically, sexually, in any way with a child, a prepubescent little boy. I’m not attracted to that. I’ve never been attracted to that.”
A trial date has been set for May 2027.
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