Melissa Gilbert resumed her duties at her company Modern Prairie in the midst of the judicial process facing her husband, Timothy Busfield, in New Mexico.
The actor, 68, was charged Jan. 13 with two counts of criminal sexual contact with a minor and one count of child abuse.
Subsequently, on February 6, an indictment returned by a grand jury in New Mexico included four counts of criminal sexual contact with a minor, all related to events allegedly occurring in October 2022 and September 2023.
After the first charges were revealed, the 61-year-old actress temporarily stepped away from the lifestyle brand she founded.
In a social media post he explained that he would return to his work activities “reflectively and carefully.”
On Monday, February 16, ten days after the grand jury indictment, he reappeared on Modern Prairie’s official accounts with a video message to his followers.
“I wanted to take a moment to speak to you directly. As many of you know, I stepped away for a while to focus on my family. It was the time I needed — time to be present, to attend to what matters most and to gather strength in a season that has not been easy,” he said.
Likewise, the famous woman stated that family is everything to her and, during this “incredibly difficult” time, she completely supported that idea.However, she highlighted that the support she received from her fans also made her resist the situation.
“This extraordinary community in Modern Prairie enveloped me in love. Even when I was silent, I felt their prayers, I felt their breath, I felt their constant presence,” he said.
Melissa Gilbert also thanked the artisans and the company’s team, as well as “the women in this community who show up every day not only for myself but for each other.”
“That’s what Modern Prairie is: women supporting women, not just when it’s easy, and especially when it’s hard. Going back to work doesn’t change my commitment or determination to the path ahead for my family — that remains steadfast, that remains my heart.”
Although the star of The Ingalls Family clarified that she will continue to care for her husband and children, she will not neglect her work.“It strengthens my mentality, it gives me purpose, it reminds me of who I am beyond the difficult days,” he said.
In conclusion, he expressed that his “time away” reminded him “why we built this space in the first place” and stated that his company is not just a brand that offers products for the home, but “it is a lifesaver, it is a connection, it is strength shared through kitchens and living rooms.”
“It’s dignity, it’s compassion, it’s determination. I’m very proud to move forward with you, so let’s get back to it together,” she concluded.
The text that accompanied the publication indicated that, by resuming its role as creative director, the company maintains its purpose of “building a lifestyle platform rooted in connection, creativity, dignity and strength.”
He added that Modern Prairie “has always been more than a person” and that its work continues to focus on creating products and gathering spaces for its community.
In parallel, the judicial process against Timothy Busfield continues.After regaining his freedom on January 20, his civil lawyer, Stanton “Larry” Stein, stated that his release was possible thanks to the support he received.
On February 6, Stein noted that the indictment “was not unexpected” and maintained that the case “is fundamentally unsustainable and cannot be proven at trial.”He also indicated that Busfield “will fight these charges at every stage” and that he hopes the case will be evaluated in open court.
