West Wing star and Melissa Gilbert’s husband, Timothy Busfield, is facing a new wave of shocking allegations just days after being charged with allegedly abusing 11-year-old twins.
Another accuser
The spotlight is on Timothy Busfield, known for his acting and marriage to TV legend Melissa Gilbert, as allegations swirl. On Wednesday, the 68-year-old actor appeared in court over two counts of criminal sexual contact with a minor and one count of child abuse.
The initial arrest warrant accused Busfield of unlawful sexual conduct with two 11-year-old brothers who worked with him on The Cleaning Lady.
But now, court documents reveal that a second accuser has come forward.
According to a pretrial detention motion filed on January 14, “another victim’s father” reported that Busfield allegedly sexually abused his daughter several years ago in Sacramento, California.
The filing claims the 16-year-old told authorities that while auditioning for Busfield at B Street Theatre, “he kissed her and put his hands down her pants and touched her privates.”
The motion adds that Busfield allegedly “begged the family to not report to law enforcement if he received therapy,” and the father, being a therapist, “thought at the time that was the best thing to do.”
Busfield founded the B Street Theatre back in 1986 under the original name Theatre for Children, Inc. Since the new allegations surfaced, the theater released a statement to PEOPLE:
“B Street Theatre is aware of a report concerning Timothy Busfield regarding an incident alleged to have occurred at B Street Theatre approximately 25 years ago. B Street Theatre retained legal counsel at the time to conduct an internal investigation, and Mr. Busfield has not had any role in the organization since 2001. He is not involved in our current operations, staff, leadership, or programming. Although he is listed as an emeritus board member, he has not participated in theatre governance or attended a board meeting since that time.
Because this matter is now part of an ongoing investigation related to a separate alleged incident in New Mexico, we are unable to provide further comment at this time. As an organization that has served Sacramento and the greater region for decades, our mission remains to provide a safe, creative, and inclusive environment for artists, students, families, and audiences. Our thoughts are with everyone affected by abuse or exploitation in any form.”
What Melissa Gilbert says
Actress Melissa Gilbert has so far vowed to stand by her husband, Timothy Busfield. Following the release of the allegations, she also deactivated her Instagram account.
A representative for the Little House on the Prairie star confirmed 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,” the statement added.
“Melissa stands with and supports her husband and will address the public at an appropriate time. We ask that their privacy be respected.”
The couple has been married since 2013.
Busfield is currently being held without bond and will remain in custody until a preliminary hearing on January 29.
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