Melissa Gilbert’s Son Praises Stepfather Timothy Busfield as His Hero
Amid serious allegations, Melissa Gilbert’s son, Michael Boxleitner, publicly praises his stepfather, Timothy Busfield. He describes Busfield as his “hero” and acknowledges the profound impact he has had on his life.
Support for Timothy Busfield
In a character letter submitted to the court on January 17, Michael, who is 30 years old, expressed his admiration for Busfield, 68. He stated that Busfield has fulfilled the role of a father more in the 15 years they have known each other than his biological father ever has. The letter reflects the strong bond they share since Busfield became his stepfather in April 2013.
Allegations Against Busfield
Timothy Busfield faces multiple charges of child sex abuse, including two counts of criminal sexual contact with a minor and one count of child abuse. The allegations stem from incidents while he was directing the FOX series, The Cleaning Lady.
- Date of Allegations: January 13, 2023
- Location: New Mexico
- Involved parties: Alleged victims are 11-year-old twin boys.
Michael’s Testimony
In his heartfelt letter, Michael conveyed his emotional memories and professional experiences working with Busfield. He emphasized Busfield’s integrity and kindness, stating, “He is kind, thoughtful, and carries himself with a stalwart integrity all of us could only ever hope to match.”
Community Support
Michael’s letter garnered additional support, as his girlfriend and other family members also expressed their admiration for Busfield. Gilbert, sharing her thoughts, mentioned, “One of the great joys of my life has been watching Tim interact with my youngest son, Michael.”
As the legal proceedings unfold, the character letters reveal the significant influence Busfield has had in the lives of those around him, particularly in relation to Michael Boxleitner. The outcome remains uncertain as both the legal system and the community continue to respond to the allegations. Michael concluded his letter with a plea for the court to “take care of him,” highlighting the bond they share despite the ongoing challenges.
