“When Calls the Heart” guest star Melissa Gilbert continues to have the support of fans amid a difficult personal situation.
On January 13, TMZ reported that Gilbert’s husband, Timothy Busfield, surrendered himself to the Albuquerque Police Department. As his legal issues unfold, a new statement emerged that prompted Gilbert’s fans to once again voice their support for her.
After Busfield turned himself in, the Hallmark star’s representative released a statement via People on her client’s behalf. The statement indicated that Gilbert was standing by her husband as his legal case proceeded.
Modern Prairie, a company Gilbert co-founded, has also since released statements via its social media pages addressing the complicated situation. After Busfield’s surrender and Modern Prairie’s statement, the company also officially canceled a virtual event that the company had planned with Gilbert.
Modern Prairie Is Respecting the Privacy of Melissa Gilbert & Her Family
The statement was posted on both Modern Prairie’s Instagram and Facebook pages. It reads, “Modern Prairie is aware of recent media reports regarding serious allegations involving a family member of our brand muse, Melissa Gilbert.”
“These allegations do not involve Modern Prairie, our operations, nor our community,” the statement continued.
Modern Prairie was created by Gilbert and Nicole Haase, who wanted to create a community to “celebrate women in every season of life.” The brand sells clothing, accessories, kitchen items, and home decor, but it also provides a community to like-minded women.
There are workshops made available to Modern Prairie supporters, an app, a Spotify channel, and a section of the website titled “Melissa’s Corner.” In that section, Gilbert regularly shares blog posts, recipes, and the like for Modern Prairie followers.
The company’s statement posted on social media noted, “Modern Prairie unequivocally condemns abuse in all forms and remains committed to values of safety, integrity, and respect.”
“While these matters are personal and do not directly involve Melissa or the brand, we are respecting the privacy of the family as they navigate a difficult and personal situation,” Modern Prairie noted.
The statement continued, “Our focus remains on supporting our community and continuing our work with care, responsibility, and intention.”
The Instagram post shared by Modern Prairie received over 5,000 “likes” in a matter of hours. It appeared the company turned off the ability to comment, but the volume of likes on the post signaled significant support from customers and fans.
Melissa Gilbert’s Fans Are Finding Ways to Send Their Love & Support
On Facebook, over 10,000 people left reactions on the post, using primarily red heart and hug emojis. Comments on the post were restricted. Though dozens had been left at some point, none were publicly visible.
A “Modern Prairie Official” Facebook group containing over 6,000 supporters was filled with notes of support for Gilbert. Fans have also commented on previous social media posts shared by Modern Prairie to signal their support.
“You have many, many people that love you and that are praying for you. Lean on God’s Almighty arms,” one fan posted on January 11.
A post added after Modern Prairie posted its statement read, “Melissa, I’m so sorry this is going on. It must feel like a nightmare. Time will help heal the situation. I just wanted you to know that people care about you and we [are] out here support[ing] you and your family.”
Another fan added, “We all have your back Melissa and Tim and family god bless you halfpint,” referencing the nickname Gilbert had on “Little House on the Prairie.”
Someone else wrote, “I stand by you, Tim, and your family. Wholeheartedly. Love to you. Stay strong.”
Gilbert deactivated her personal Instagram account amid the legal issues her husband faces. Her representative, Ame Van Iden, provided a statement to People on Gilbert’s behalf.
The statement noted Gilbert was “honoring the request of Tim’s lawyers not to speak publicly while the legal process unfolds.” In addition, the statement indicated, Gilbert’s 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,” Van Iden noted.
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Melissa Gilbert’s Modern Prairie Releases Statement as Fans Rally Around Her