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Melissa Gilbert Returns to Instagram After Four-Month Hiatus

Little House on the Prairie star Melissa Gilbert has returned to Instagram four months after leaving the platform amid her husband Timothy Busfield's child sex ...

Melissa Gilbert Returns to Instagram After Four-Month Hiatus
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Little House on the Prairie star Melissa Gilbert has returned to Instagram four months after leaving the platform amid her husband Timothy Busfield's child sex abuse charges . 

Busfield, 68, was and accused of touching two children on set of The Cleaning Lady while filming in Albuquerque between November 2022 and spring 2024. 

The children said the abuse initially occurred when they were seven-years-old and Busfield touched them three or four times. Busfield also allegedly touched them five or six times when they were eight. He has vehemently denied all charges.

The Little House On The Prairie star - who married The West Wing actor in 2013 - maintained her husband's innocence while also revealing that she had known of his past sexual assault allegations before their marriage. 

Gilbert, 61, had originally deleted her Instagram account in January after authorities in  issued an arrest warrant for Busfield.

On Wednesday, she posted for the first time on her personal account since as she promoted an Instagram Live for her company Modern Prairie set for Friday.

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Little House on the Prairie star Melissa Gilbert has returned to Instagram four months after leaving the platform amid her husband Timothy Busfield's child sex abuse charges which he has pled not guilty to

 Busfield, 68, was indicted by a grand jury on February 6 and accused of touching two children on set of The Cleaning Lady while filming in Albuquerque between November 2022 and spring 2024 (he is pictured in January)

It is important to note that she had appeared on Modern Prarie's social media frequently in recent months despite being absent from her personal page.

Gilbert's Instagram had been scrutinized for months as on November 15, , seven weeks before the charges against her husband, Gilbert reflected on her experience as a child actor on The Little House on the Prairie.

The actress was later asked how the allegations against Busfield and the indictment have affected them, causing her to describe it as 'hell'

 Following his arrest, he was held at the Metropolitan Detention Center in Bernalillo County, per documents obtained by the Daily Mail. 

Busfield was- with Gilbert seen weeping in court following the news. 

When the judge ruled that Busfield could be released on his own recognizance, a teary-eyed Gilbert clasped her hands together and whispered, 'Thank you, God.'

Busfield's release came with strict conditions: he must attend all court hearings, stay in contact with the court, and is forbidden from contacting the alleged victims or any minors.

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Back in January, an arrest warrant was issued for Busfield for charges of child abuse and criminal sexual contact with a minor; seen in January in New Mexico

When the judge ruled that Busfield could be released on his own recognizance, a teary-eyed Gilbert clasped her hands together and whispered, 'Thank you, God' (seen above)

He is also prohibited from possessing firearms, alcohol, or drugs.

In February, Busfield was indicted on four counts of sexual contact with a child by a grand jury.

The case is being prosecuted by the Special Victims Unit of the Bernalillo County District Attorney's Office, with DA Sam Bregman pledging to 'do everything possible to protect children and ensure justice for victims.'

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, one of the alleged victims revealed during therapy that he had been inappropriately touched by Busfield, a statement supported by medical findings. 

During Busfield's court hearing, Assistant District Attorney Savannah Brandenburg-Koch stated that the evidence against him was 'strong and specific,' further adding that witnesses expressed concerns about potential retaliation and professional harm.

According to court documents, one of the alleged victims revealed during therapy that he had been inappropriately touched by Busfield, a statement supported by medical findings; seen in 2020 in NYC 

The defense, however, has contested the allegations, arguing that the children initially denied any inappropriate contact with Busfield during police interviews.

They've also suggested that the boys' parents may have coached them to make incriminating statements after they lost roles on The Cleaning Lady.

Busfield has submitted character references and passed an independent polygraph test, which, though controversial, may be used in New Mexico courts.

Known for his roles in The West Wing, Field of Dreams, and Thirtysomething, Busfield now faces a legal battle that will determine his future.

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