Melissa Gilbert Celebrates Dismissal of Husband's Charges with Willy Wonka Quote

Melissa Gilbert marked the dismissal of child sex charges against her husband, actor Timothy Busfield, by sharing a quote from the classic film "Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory." The actress posted the line, "So shines a good deed in a weary world," following a New Mexico judge's decision to dismiss the criminal indictment against Busfield, who had faced allegations of inappropriate conduct with twin boys.

The quote, famously spoken by Gene Wilder as Willy Wonka, is a variation of a line from William Shakespeare's "The Merchant of Venice." The dismissal came after months of legal battles and public scrutiny that had significantly impacted Busfield's career.

Legal Proceedings and Dismissal

State District Judge Joseph Montano dismissed the indictment, citing prosecutorial misconduct and significant errors that compromised the grand jury proceedings. The decision followed contention between prosecutors and Busfield's defense team. Busfield, known for his roles in "The West Wing," "Field of Dreams," and "Thirtysomething," has maintained his innocence throughout the ordeal.

Busfield's attorney stated the actor was "relieved and grateful" but acknowledged that prosecutors might seek a new indictment, leaving the possibility of further legal action open.

The case originated from allegations involving twin boys who appeared on the television series "The Cleaning Lady," which Busfield directed. Their parents alleged inappropriate behavior by Busfield toward the children. According to a criminal complaint filed in January, one boy reported that Busfield had touched his private areas over his clothing when he was seven and eight years old.

Busfield's defense team argued that the children initially denied inappropriate contact and that their parents may have coached them after the boys were removed from the production. An independent Warner Bros. investigation, according to Busfield's lawyers, found no evidence of wrongdoing. The defense also accused prosecutors of being "willfully blind to the lack of evidence" and highlighted instances where they alleged prosecutors misled grand jurors regarding additional witness testimonies.

Personal Impact and Support

Gilbert and Busfield, who married in 2013, relocated upstate from their Manhattan apartment as Busfield fought the charges. Gilbert described the ordeal as "hell" and "the most traumatizing experience of our lives," expressing concern that even an exoneration might not fully restore her husband's reputation in Hollywood.

During the controversy, Gilbert publicly supported her husband, stating in an April interview that she knew him "in my bones" and trusted him implicitly. Despite her unwavering loyalty, she acknowledged the profound disruption to their lives, admitting, "Our life as we knew it is done." She was also seen visibly emotional in court when Busfield was released from custody earlier this year.

Busfield's attorney indicated that if the state decides to pursue further charges, Busfield and potential witnesses are prepared to testify again.