Timothy Busfield Allegedly Reveals Intimate Details About Marriage With Melissa Gilbert As Abuse Case Escalates
- - Timothy Busfield Allegedly Reveals Intimate Details About Marriage With Melissa Gilbert As Abuse Case Escalates
Jane LaCroixJanuary 17, 2026 at 9:01 PM
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Photo by Bruce Glikas/Bruce Glikas/FilmMagic
Timothy Busfield is pushing back against efforts to keep him behind bars ahead of trial by offering a deeply personal look into his intimate life—this time through a psychosexual evaluation submitted to the court.
In a filing obtained by TMZ on Saturday, January 17, the 68-year-old director and actor shared details about his marriage to Melissa Gilbert as part of his legal team’s attempt to argue that he does not pose a risk to the public. The evaluation, conducted this week, was presented as evidence in opposition to the state’s motion for pretrial detention.
According to the outlet, Busfield described his relationship with the Little House on the Prairie star as stable and supportive, noting that their physical relationship has evolved with age. He reportedly told the evaluator that he and Gilbert now spend more time cuddling than being physically intimate, while also revealing he hasn’t pleasured himself in over six months.
Busfield also addressed his sexual identity in the document, stating that he is heterosexual and recalling early memories of attraction. He further expressed a strong aversion to pornography, describing himself as “appalled” by it and claiming he has “always had a visceral response to it.”
READ MORE:Melissa Gilbert’s Son Calls Timothy Busfield the Father Who ‘Showed Up’ Amid Assault Allegations
Gilbert, 61, echoed parts of his statement in her own letter to the court, which was included in a separate filing obtained by PEOPLE on January 16. The actress urged the judge to consider her husband’s safety while he remains in custody.
“The reality is that Tim Busfield is my love, my rock, my partner in business and life,” she wrote, calling him “the beating heart of our wild and wonderful extended family.”
She went on to describe Busfield as someone guided by strong principles, adding, “Tim has the strongest moral compass of any human I have ever known.” Gilbert also noted that she is frequently told by others that Busfield is their “favorite director” or “favorite teacher,” citing his reputation on sets and in classrooms.
Busfield surrendered to Albuquerque police earlier this month and faces two counts of criminal sexual contact of a minor and one count of child abuse. He has denied all allegations. A pretrial detention hearing is scheduled in the coming days as the court considers whether he will remain in custody while the case moves forward.
If you suspect child abuse, call the Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline at 1-800-4-A-Child or 1-800-422-4453, or visit their website.
This story was originally published by Parade on Jan 17, 2026, where it first appeared in the News section. Add Parade as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
Source: “AOL Entertainment”
