Melissa Gilbert’s Brand cancels event due to husband’s child abuse case

Melissa Gilbert‘s lifestyle brand pulled the plug on an upcoming event after her husband, Timothy Busfieldhanded over to police after an arrest warrant was issued for alleged child sexual abuse.

On Wednesday, January 14, news broke that Gilbert was performing virtually for her brand Modern prairie – which was supposed to take place on Friday, January 16 – was cancelled. The company claimed that “an unexpected schedule change” was the reason for the sudden upheaval. (Gilbert, 61, was set to host an “Ask Melissa Anything” virtual question-and-answer session.)

“We’re reaching out with an important update regarding Friday’s Modern Prairie event,” said an email from the brand via People. “Due to an unexpected schedule change, Melissa will not be available and the event has been canceled.”

The statement continued, “We know many of you have been looking forward to getting together, and we greatly appreciate your understanding as we respect Melissa’s need for privacy and space,” seemingly alluding to the drama surrounding her husband.

The Modern Prairie team concluded: “We will share details about a new date as soon as we are able. Thank you for continuing to show care, empathy and support within our community.

We weekly has reached out to Gilbert’s representative for comment.

Prior to the cancellation of the event, Modern Prairie, which Gilbert co-founded in 2022 Nicole Hassehas released a statement regarding Busfield’s child abuse case.

“Modern Prairie is aware of recent media reports of serious allegations involving a family member of our brand muse, Melissa Gilbert. These allegations do not relate to Modern Prairie, our operations or our community,” said the statement shared via Instagram on Wednesday. “Modern Prairie unequivocally condemns abuse in all forms and remains committed to values ​​of safety, integrity and respect. While these matters are personal and do not directly involve Melissa or the brand, we respect the family’s privacy as they navigate a difficult and personal situation.”

The brand added: “Our focus remains on supporting our community and continuing our work with care, responsibility and intention.”

The cancellation comes just days later We weekly confirmed on Friday, January 9, that an arrest warrant had been issued for Busfield, 68, to whom Gilbert has been married since 2013.

Albuquerque police issued the warrant after two twin brothers accused Busfield of unlawful sexual conduct on the set of The cleaning lady. Busfield was the director of the show, which ran from 2022 to 2025, while the alleged victims were child actors.

One of the children involved in the case claimed in a criminal complaint that he was seven years old when the first alleged incident of inappropriate touching occurred. The child’s mother later reported the alleged abuse to Child Protective Services, claiming the incidents occurred between the end of 2022 and the second half of 2024.

According to the complaint, both boys were diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder and anxiety after the alleged incidents.

For his part, Busfield denied during the police investigation that there was anything “weird” about his interactions with the children on set. The actor reportedly told investigators that it was “very likely that he” would have tickled or picked up the alleged victims as he worked to create a “playful environment” on set.

Although Busfield has maintained his innocence, he surrendered to New Mexico police on Tuesday, January 13.

“I’m going to face these lies. They’re horrible. They’re all lies, and I did nothing to those little boys,” Busfield claimed in a video obtained by TMZ at the time. “I’m going to fight it. I’m going to fight it with a great team, and I’m going to be acquitted. I know I am because this is all so wrong and all lies.”

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Busfield’s civil attorney, Stanton ‘Larry’ Steinclaimed in a statement to Us Tuesday that his client is “innocent and determined to clear his name,” which the lawyer said is why the actor turned himself in to police.

Stein also claimed that once one of the alleged victim’s sons was “expelled” from The Cleaning Lady, “the boy’s mother vowed to ‘get revenge’” on Busfield.

“What followed appears to be a calculated attempt to build a case, driven by animus and not facts, despite previous investigations finding no evidence of wrongdoing,” the lawyer claimed in the same statement.

Busfield was yellow carded on Tuesday and his mugshot was released hours later. He has been charged with two counts of criminal sexual contact with a minor and one count of child abuse.

This is evident from a Facebook post shared by the Bernalillo County District Attorney’s Office Sam Bregman that same day, prosecutors plan to “file a motion to keep Mr. Busfield in custody while the case moves through the judicial process.”

While Busfield’s alleged actions make headlines, his wife continues to support him behind closed doors.

“During this time, her focus is on supporting and caring for their very large family as they navigate this moment,” Gilbert’s rep shared. Us in a statement Tuesday. “Melissa stands behind and supports her husband and will address the public at an appropriate time.”

If you or someone you know is experiencing child abuse, call or text Child support hotline at 1-800-422-4453.