Gary Busey pleads guilty to criminal sexual contact

Actor Gary Busey has pleaded guilty to one count of fourth-degree criminal sexual contact in connection to an incident that occurred during a fan event in August 2022. The 81-year-old entered his plea during a virtual court appearance before Judge Gwendolyn Blue, according to Court TV.

The charge stems from allegations that Busey inappropriately touched two women during a photo opportunity at Monster-Mania Con, held at the Doubletree Hotel in Camden, New Jersey. Though Busey initially denied the claims and publicly stated “nothing happened,” he has now admitted to intentionally groping one of the women. “It was not an accidental touching,” Busey told Judge Blue.

As part of the plea deal, prosecutors have agreed to drop three additional counts of fourth-degree criminal sexual contact and one count of attempted criminal sexual contact. Busey now faces a sentence of one to five years of probation, along with monetary fines. His sentencing is scheduled to take place virtually next month.

Busey’s attorney, Blair Zwillman, attempted to challenge the indictment, arguing that police failed to interview key witnesses, which he said compromised the integrity of the investigation. However, Judge Blue upheld the case, stating that proper procedures had been followed and that the grand jury had sufficient testimony.

The actor, best known for his roles in Lethal Weapon and Under Siege, previously downplayed the accusations, telling paparazzi in 2022 that the alleged interaction lasted “less than 10 seconds” and was fabricated. “They made up a story that I assaulted them sexually when I did not,” he said at the time.

Busey, who has made headlines in recent years for public behavior such as exposing himself in public, has not yet released a statement regarding the plea.