Melissa Gilbert Quotes Willy Wonka After Husband's Charges Dismissed

Melissa Gilbert shared a quote from "Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory" on Instagram following the dismissal of child sexual abuse charges against her husband, Timothy Busfield. A New Mexico judge tossed the indictment against the actor, who had been accused of inappropriately touching twin boys on the set of "The Cleaning Lady."

"So shines a good deed in a weary world," Gilbert, 62, posted on Friday. The line is spoken by Gene Wilder's character in the 1971 film and is an adaptation of a quote from William Shakespeare's "The Merchant of Venice."

State District Judge Joseph Montano cited prosecutorial misconduct and errors that undermined the grand jury proceedings as reasons for dismissing the indictment against Busfield, 69. Busfield's attorney, Amanda Fayerberg, stated that her client was "relieved and grateful" after the judge's decision. Prosecutors have not yet determined whether to pursue a new indictment.

The case originated from Busfield's work directing "The Cleaning Lady" in Albuquerque between 2022 and 2024. The parents of twin boys who appeared on the show alleged that Busfield inappropriately touched their children after they were let go from the production. One of the boys told investigators that Busfield touched his private areas over his clothing on two occasions when he was seven and eight years old, according to a criminal complaint. His twin brother also reported being touched, though he did not specify where.

Busfield surrendered to authorities and was released pending trial. He has consistently denied the allegations. In June, his attorneys sought to dismiss the indictment, accusing prosecutors of mishandling the grand jury process and alleging that the boys' parents had coached them to make false statements after their children lost their roles.

During a September hearing, Busfield's defense argued that prosecutors blocked the grand jury from hearing key witnesses. The prosecution countered that the defense mishandled evidence submissions and that Busfield attempted to steer jurors toward favorable witnesses and evidence. Busfield testified that the case had significantly impacted his life and career, stating he had been "canceled" and fired by his agency. He asserted to jurors that the allegations were "one gazillion percent untrue. Never ever."

Each count in the indictment carried a potential six-year prison sentence. Busfield and Gilbert married in 2013. In June, Gilbert announced their move from their Manhattan apartment to upstate New York, sharing photos of moving boxes and stating they would return eventually, "it’s just that right now.....well.....you know."