Melissa Gilbert shared a line from Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory after a judge dismissed the child abuse indictment against her husband, Timothy Busfield.
The Little House on the Prairie actress, 62, posted the quotation on Instagram on Friday, October 16. That day, New Mexico Judge Joseph Montano dismissed an indictment charging four counts of criminal sexual contact of a minor against the actor and director, 69.
Gilbert separately shared a New York Times report about the decision in her Instagram Story, according to Entertainment Weekly.
The ruling leaves prosecutors free to begin new criminal proceedings. It followed a defense challenge to the way prosecutors handled grand jurors’ requests to hear additional witnesses.
Gilbert Shares a Familiar Line From Willy Wonka
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Gene Wilder delivers the line near the end of the 1971 film. It echoes a passage from Shakespeare’s The Merchant of Venice, whose original wording uses “naughty world” rather than “weary world.”
Three days earlier, Gilbert had written more openly about difficulties in her life. An October 13 Instagram post featured autumn scenery beside water and a video of her dogs retrieving a ball.
As PEOPLE reported, she described “uncertainty and turmoil” both personally and in the wider world. She also wrote about finding joy and peace, explaining that being near water helped when she felt unsettled.
The Judge Found That Prosecutors Improperly Blocked Witnesses
In his written order, published by New Mexico’s Second Judicial District Court, Montano found that the prosecutor had failed to act fairly and impartially during the grand jury proceedings.
Prosecutors told jurors that at least eight members had to agree before a requested witness could be called. They also imposed a requirement that all 12 agree to reconvene. The judge found that neither requirement was supported by the applicable rules or statutes.
The order concluded that those instructions effectively withheld witnesses whom jurors wanted to hear, compromising the integrity of the proceedings.
Busfield’s attorneys had sought dismissal in June. During a September hearing, attorney Amber Fayerberg argued that the requested witnesses were present, willing to testify and available when jurors asked for them.
Prosecutors opposed the defense motion, disputing how the lawyers had sought to present witnesses and evidence. Montano ultimately granted the request to quash, or invalidate, the indictment.
The Case Began With Allegations on The Cleaning Lady Set
The investigation concerned twin boys who worked on Fox’s The Cleaning Lady, which filmed in Albuquerque. Busfield served as a director and executive producer on the series.
Prosecutors alleged that inappropriate contact occurred during production when the children were seven and eight. Although the investigation involved both brothers, the four-count indictment concerned alleged contact with one child.
Busfield surrendered to authorities in January after an arrest warrant was issued. He was later released from custody, indicted in February and pleaded not guilty. He has denied the allegations throughout the case.
Before Friday’s ruling, his trial had been scheduled for May 2027. Bernalillo County District Attorney’s Office spokesperson Nancy Laflin said the office was reviewing its options for how to proceed.
Gilbert Previously Called the Case a Traumatizing Experience
Gilbert’s first sit-down interview about the case aired on Good Morning America on April 6. George Stephanopoulos spoke with her alongside Busfield’s civil attorney, Larry Stein. “This has been the most traumatizing experience of our lives,” she told ABC News.
Gilbert, who married Busfield in 2013, described grieving their plans, professional projects and expectations for the future. She feared the allegations would continue affecting his reputation and career even if the legal proceedings ended in his favor.
Gilbert expressed confidence that Busfield would be exonerated while acknowledging that they had to prepare for every possible outcome. Asked why she had waited to speak publicly, she said she had not previously felt capable of doing so.