Actor Gary Busey has learned his fate in connection with a sexual misconduct case which occurred at a 2022 convention.
The 81-year-old actor was sentenced Thursday, September 18, to two years of probation after pleading guilty to charges stemming from an incident at Monster-Mania Con in Cherry Hill, New Jersey, according to Rolling Stone. The case centered on allegations that Busey groped a woman on her behind while she posed with him for photos during the horror convention.
The event’s organizers later confirmed that an unnamed celebrity guest had been “removed from the convention and instructed not to return” after complaints surfaced. Local authorities charged Busey with two counts of fourth-degree criminal sexual contact, one count of attempted sexual contact, and a harassment charge.
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At the time, the Buddy Holly Story star denied the accusations, telling TMZ in 2022, “None of that happened. There were a partner, and a camera lady, and me and two girls. It took less than 10 seconds, and then they left. Then, they made up this story that I assaulted them sexually — but I did not.”
Despite those denials, Busey struck a plea deal earlier this summer, admitting guilt to one count of fourth-degree criminal sexual contact. That conviction carried the possibility of up to five years’ probation. On Thursday, the judge imposed a two-year term. The sentencing was conducted virtually, and Busey did not appear, according to the outlet.
Before his 81st birthday, Busey shared a rare photo of himself to celebrate the special occasion. “It’s my #birthday week!! Only two days left of 80,” he wrote in the caption of a photo that showed him with a giant ice cream sundae in front of him, smiling and pointing to himself. Busey celebrated his birthday two days later on June 29. He followed up with another post on July 3 which showed him blowing out some birthday candles while celebrating with others.
If you or someone you know has been a victim of sexual assault, help is available 24 hours a day through RAINN’s National Sexual Assault Hotline at 1-800-656-4673.
