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Public scrutiny is intensifying around Melissa Gilbert as federal authorities join the search for her husband, Timothy Busfield. While allegations remain unproven, online backlash has exploded, fueled by her past advocacy against child abuse, deleted social media, and reports suggesting she maintained close ties with the accusers’ family, previously reported.
Melissa Gilbert Under Fire Over Alleged Knowledge and Cover-Up Claims
As the case against Timothy Busfield unfolds, much of the public anger has shifted toward Melissa Gilbert, with critics questioning whether she knew more than she let on. The outrage intensified after users resurfaced a November post in which she spoke broadly about child sex abuse, shared while Busfield was allegedly already under investigation.
Soon after the arrest warrant became public, Gilbert deleted her Instagram, a move many online interpreted as suspicious. One commenter wrote, “Months ago she was talking about child sexual abuse but her husband must have been under investigation on the same charge at that time! Little Glass House on the Prairie!” Another added, “Usually deleting your high profile social media in cases like this, means there’s more to these charges than she wants you to know.” Convinced that she couldn’t have stayed that long married to him without having a clue as to her husband’s alleged dark side, another user stated:
“She had to know about it”
Fueling the backlash are details from the arrest warrant cited by People stating that Gilbert and Busfield “did have a relationship” with the alleged victims and their family outside of work. Officer Marvin Brown noted, “They advised that they did buy the two boys Christmas gifts and were together [at] several social functions,” later adding that Busfield “would invite the family to off-set gatherings, with his wife buying Christmas gifts to foster closeness.”
Online, reactions ranged from condemnation to speculation. Some accused her of moral hypocrisy, while others argued she was simply overwhelmed by the backlash.
Timothy Busfield’s Federal Manhunt, Ongoing Investigation, and Public Reaction
Per TMZ, federal authorities are now assisting Albuquerque police in locating Busfield, who remains at large as allegations involving underage child actors are investigated. He has not been convicted, and the claims remain under review.
The warrant also states professionals suggested the boys “were groomed,” though earlier reports did not meet charging criteria. Warner Bros. Television responded, saying, “The health and safety of our cast and crew is always our top priority, especially the safety of minors on our productions.”
As the manhunt continues, public opinion remains unforgiving. One viral comment summed up the mood bluntly: “You can run, but you can’t hide.”
