Melissa Gilbert exits 'When Calls the Heart' amid husband Timothy Busfield's child sex abuse charges.
Actress Melissa Gilbert has announced she is leaving the Hallmark series "When Calls the Heart" after her husband, Timothy Busfield, faced child sex abuse charges. Gilbert, 62, claimed she was told she's off the show due to "budget issues." However, she still wished her former co-stars "a happy and successful Season 14."
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In January, Busfield, 69, was arrested on charges of child abuse and criminal sexual contact of a minor. He allegedly inappropriately touched two 7-year-old actors on the set of the Fox series "The Cleaning Lady." Busfield vehemently denied the allegations, telling TMZ that he "did not do anything to those little boys."
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Despite the allegations, Gilbert has remained by her husband's side and attended one of his court hearings in January. In an interview with Good Morning America, she insisted her husband is "the last person in the world who would hurt a child." Gilbert also shared she's "100% confident" Busfield will be exonerated.
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Hallmark Channel confirmed that Melissa's storyline on "When Calls the Heart" concluded in season 13. The network said, "We can confirm that Melissa's storyline on 'When Calls the Heart' concluded in season 13. We adore Melissa and are always grateful when we get to work with her."
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Busfield's trial is set to begin in May 2027. If you or someone you know is affected by any of the issues raised in this story, call the Sexual Assault Hotline at 1-800-330-0226.
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The allegations against Busfield have raised concerns about the safety and well-being of child actors on set. The outcome of his trial will be closely watched by the entertainment industry and the public.
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Source: NYPOST
