Fred Willard -- My Wife's Got My Back

Fred Willard might be an alleged public masturbator ... but his wife's standing by his side 100%.

Fred was out in L.A. yesterday where he was bombarded with questions about his recent lewd conduct arrest -- when cops say they found him jerking it in an adult movie theater -- but the most interesting part ... his wife Mary was present too.

We haven't really heard a peep from Fred's wife since TMZ broke the story of the actor's arrest, but the couple has clearly decided to show a united front.