Melissa Gilbert Vanishes From Social Media As Husband Faces Arrest Warrant

Melissa Gilbert has abruptly disappeared from Instagram at a moment when attention around her personal life has intensified. 

The former child star’s account became unavailable just as authorities in New Mexico issued an arrest warrant for her husband, actor and director Timothy Busfield. 

As details from the police investigation began circulating, Gilbert’s sudden social media silence raised questions, especially given her recent public comments about child safety and abuse.

Melissa Gilbert Deletes Instagram As Warrant Becomes Public

As of Sunday, Jan. 11, Melissa Gilbert’s Instagram page could no longer be accessed. 

Users attempting to view her account were met with a message stating, “Profile isn’t available. The link may be broken, or the profile may have been removed.” 

The actress had been active on the platform before the sudden disappearance.

Her decision to delete the account came shortly after the Albuquerque Police Department issued an arrest warrant alleging that her husband engaged in unlawful sexual conduct involving minors. 

The timing of the deletion has fueled speculation, though Gilbert herself has made no public statement since her account went offline.

Fans React To The News Of Gilbert’s Social Media Disappearance 

The news of Melissa Gilbert’s disappearance was shared on Reddit and it sparked a ton of reactions from fans. 

One user noted that it was unfair that Gilbert was receiving a lot of backlash, considering she didn’t do anything.

“Tim is a fully grown man that made decisions. Melissa has nothing to do with what he did. That doesn’t even make logical sense. How tf is she getting more smoke than him,” they wrote.

Another Redditor described the 61-year-old’s decision to marry Busfield as the biggest mistake. In their words, “She left Tron to marry this guy. Big mistake.”

A third fan agreed with Gilbert’s decision to delete her Instagram, noting that they would do the same if they were in her shoes. 

“That said, she probably didn’t know about her husband being a pedo,” they added.

Melissa Gilbert’s Husband Accused In Case Involving Child Actors

According to the arrest warrant obtained by PEOPLE, APD Officer Marvin Brown alleged that 11-year-old twin boys were victims of sex crimes committed by Busfield. 

One of the minors claimed the alleged incidents began when he was just 7 years old. The identities of the children have been withheld.

The investigation reportedly began in November 2024 after a doctor at the University of New Mexico Hospital alerted police to possible sexual abuse. 

The twins’ parents told authorities their sons were child actors who met Busfield on the set of the FOX series “The Cleaning Lady,” where he served as a director from January 2022 until June 2025. 

After consulting an attorney, the parents brought the children to UNMH, where professionals suggested the boys “were groomed,” according to the warrant.

Despite those concerns, authorities initially determined the case did not meet acceptance criteria. 

In October 2025, the boys’ mother filed a police report and contacted Child Protective Services, stating that “her children both disclosed that there was sexual abuse by Timothy from around November 2022 to Spring 2024.” 

She was later told that because physical abuse had not occurred, no action could be taken at that time.

Gilbert’s Silence Contrasts With Her Recent Abuse Advocacy

The allegations stand in stark contrast to comments Melissa Gilbert made just weeks before the arrest warrant was issued. 

As The Blast reported, In November 2025, she shared a reflective Instagram post discussing her own experiences as a teenager in Hollywood while working on “Little House on the Prairie.” 

Alongside a throwback photo, Gilbert wrote, “So, I debated posting this but, I feel compelled to share.”

She continued by describing her discomfort when revisiting images from that time, writing, “And now, at this age, at this time, I am actually nauseated.” 

Referring to being expected to portray a romantic storyline with an older actor, she added, “Through the lens of today, this is shocking.” 

Gilbert emphasized her age repeatedly, stating, “I WAS A CHILD.” and “I WAS FIFTEEN.” 

In the same post, she expressed gratitude for the adults who protected her, saying, “Thank God my mom and Michael [Landon Sr.] and so many others were there to make sure I was safe.” 

Melissa Gilbert And Busfield Mark 12 Years Of Marriage

Gilbert celebrated a major milestone in her personal life in April 2025, marking her 12th wedding anniversary with Busfield with a heartfelt social media tribute that drew fans’ admiration. 

The “Little House on the Prairie” alum shared a throwback photo of the couple from their special day, along with a long, loving caption that listed the many experiences they’ve shared over more than a decade. 

She wrote about “12 years of true partnership, love, laughter, compassion, commitment, passion, laughter, cooking, kids, grandchildren, chickens, dogs, creating homes, films, plays, television,” and more, capturing how deeply intertwined their lives had become. 

Gilbert added that these years felt “perfect” and called Busfield “my favorite person, who has my favorite face and my favorite soul,” before signing off with “How lucky I am. I love you @timbusfield. Happy anniversary.”