Melissa Gilbert’s Lifestyle Brand Modern Prairie Has Cancelled An Event On 2 Days Notice
Melissa Gilbert was scheduled to participate in an event for her Modern Prairie lifestyle brand on Friday, January 16th. The event was a virtual Q&A event titled “Ask Melissa Anything,” a play on the popular acronym “AMA,” or “Ask Me Anything.”
According to People, Modern Prairie sent a message to people who subscribed to the event, writing,
“We’re reaching out with an important update about Friday’s Modern Prairie event. Due to an unexpected scheduling change, Melissa will not be available, and the event has been canceled. We know many of you were looking forward to gathering together, and we truly appreciate your understanding as we respect Melissa’s need for privacy and space. We’ll share details about a rescheduled date as soon as we’re able. Thank you for continuing to show care, empathy, and support within our community.”
The cancellation comes one day after Gilbert’s husband, actor Timothy Busfield, surrendered to Albuquerque Police after a warrant for his arrest was issued.
The brand also issued a statement on Tuesday (January 13), saying the allegations against Busfield “do not directly involve Melissa or the brand.” See their full statement below.
Timothy Busfield Is Facing Over 20 Years In Prison
The Emmy Award-winning actor/director was taken into custody on January 13th on three different charges: two counts of criminal sexual contact with a minor under 13, and one charge of child abuse with no death or great bodily harm.
If found guilty, Busfield could face a lengthy prison sentence, over 20 years. The first charges carry a minimum mandatory imprisonment of six years on each count, totaling 12 years, according to New Mexico law. The child abuse charge is considered a third-degree felony and could result in up to nine years of imprisonment.
Busfield shared a video of him announcing his surrender, while also maintaining his innocence.
“I’m sure most of you know … that I was ordered to come to Albuquerque. I’m here now. I got the call Friday night. I had to get a lawyer. On Saturday, I got into a car and drove 2,000 miles to Albuquerque…[The allegations] are horrible. They’re all lies. And I did not do anything to those little boys. And I’m gonna fight it,” he said. “I’m gonna fight it with a great team. And I’m gonna be exonerated. I know I am because this is all so wrong and all lies.”
Following his video, Gilbert’s spokesperson, Ame Van Iden, released a statement on her behalf.
“Melissa Gilbert is not making public statements at this time. Any purported ‘statements’ circulating online — including AI-generated deepfakes of her ‘breaking her silence’ — should not be treated as coming from her,” Van Iden said. “She is honoring the request of Tim’s lawyers not to speak publicly while the legal process unfolds. During this period, her focus is on supporting and caring for their very large family, as they navigate this moment. Melissa stands with and supports her husband and will address the public at an appropriate time. We ask that their privacy be respected.”
Following news of his arrest warrant, NBC pulled his upcoming Jan. 15 episode of Law & Order: SVU, a show about detectives who investigate sex crimes.