Hollywood was abuzz on Thursday as news broke that veteran actor Gary Busey, 81, received a sentence of two years’ probation following a guilty plea for inappropriate sexual contact.
The ruling comes more than a year after the alleged incident at a horror convention in New Jersey, highlighting a serious legal and personal setback for the longtime star.
The Allegations That Sparked the Case
Busey faced accusations of groping multiple women during a photo shoot at the Monster-Mania Con, a horror-themed fan convention held in Cherry Hill, New Jersey, in August 2022.
Prosecutors detailed that Busey had grabbed the buttocks of two women and attempted to unhook another’s bra, reportedly asking her where she got them.
The charges shocked fans and fellow convention-goers alike.
Defense Requests and Court Decision
Busey’s legal team had requested the court to impose only fines, citing his advanced age, health challenges, and permanent California residence.
Camden County Judge Gwendolyn Blue, however, rejected the plea for leniency.
She emphasized the seriousness of the offenses and Busey’s previous encounters with the justice system.
“In the interest of justice, I am sentencing this defendant to two years’ probation,” Judge Blue said.
Additionally, she barred Busey from contacting the victim.
Possibility of Appeal and California Transfer
Busey has 45 days to appeal the ruling. His attorney, Blair Zwillman, noted that he could also petition to have the probation transferred to California.
Zwillman expressed satisfaction with the resolution, saying Busey is pleased the case is concluded and that he can move forward without ongoing public scrutiny.
From Denial to Guilty Plea
Initially, Busey denied all wrongdoing, telling a reporter that “nothing happened” and asserting that the allegations were fabricated.
He pled not guilty at his March 2025 arraignment.
However, in July, he changed his plea, admitting guilt to one count of fourth-degree criminal sexual contact.
His attorney clarified that the charge related to touching a woman’s buttocks over her clothing.
During the Zoom hearing from his California home, Busey admitted that the contact “was not an accidental touching.”
A confusing moment ensued when he initially questioned whether he was actually pleading guilty, only to be guided by his legal team before confirming his plea.
A Storied Career Overshadowed by Legal Trouble
Busey’s career has spanned decades, from his Oscar-nominated portrayal of Buddy Holly in The Buddy Holly Story to roles in Lethal Weapon, Predator 2, and various television appearances.
His life has been marked by highs and lows, including a traumatic brain injury from a 1988 motorcycle accident and public battles with substance abuse, as seen on Celebrity Rehab with Dr. Drew.
More recently, he appeared as God in the 2019 Off-Broadway musical Only Human.
Despite his long career in Hollywood, the recent legal issues have brought renewed attention to his personal conduct and the challenges that accompany fame.