Conservative commentator Megyn Kelly has publicly criticized actress Melissa Gilbert following the announcement of an arrest warrant for Gilbert’s husband, Timothy Busfield, related to allegations of child abuse. New Mexico authorities issued the warrant, alleging that Busfield engaged in unlawful sexual conduct with two child actors while directing them on the Fox TV series, “The Cleaning Lady.”
The controversy intensified as Kelly accused Gilbert of hypocrisy after the actress recently spoke out against the exploitation of minors. On November 15, 2024, Gilbert participated in the viral #iwasfifteen campaign, which criticized Kelly for her remarks perceived as downplaying the severity of sexual abuse against teenagers. During her show, Kelly had questioned whether Jeffrey Epstein could be classified as a pedophile, stating he preyed primarily on adolescent girls rather than younger children.
In a social media post over the weekend, Kelly highlighted the timing of Gilbert’s comments, noting that she made her public statement while being aware that Busfield was under investigation. According to Kelly, Gilbert’s actions appeared to be an attempt to bolster her image as a defender of abuse victims while her husband faced serious allegations.
On April 21, 2025, authorities in Albuquerque confirmed they had issued an arrest warrant for the 68-year-old Busfield. The allegations stem from claims made by the parents of two twin brothers, who reported that Busfield had groomed and molested them starting from the age of seven. The police affidavit indicates that Gilbert was present during a phone interview with Busfield, where he denied the allegations, suggesting that the parents were simply upset about their sons being replaced in the series.
The case has drawn considerable media attention, especially given Busfield’s past legal troubles. In 1996, he was involved in a failed defamation lawsuit regarding allegations of sexual assault against a 17-year-old girl on the set of the 1993 film “Little Big League,” which he directed.
In response to Kelly’s criticisms, Gilbert has not made any public statements regarding the allegations against her husband. However, many supporters have defended her, arguing that the charges are against Busfield, not her.
Despite the unfolding drama, Gilbert and Busfield appeared to have a happy marriage before these allegations came to light. They met in 2012 and married in 2013, often sharing glimpses of their life together on social media. In previous interviews, Gilbert described their relationship as a “thunderbolt” moment, indicating a deep connection from the start.
As of now, it remains unclear whether Busfield is in custody or has made arrangements to turn himself in. The situation continues to develop as more details emerge regarding the allegations and the responses from both Gilbert and Busfield. The public discourse surrounding this case highlights the complexities of personal and public morality in the context of serious allegations.