Hey movie fans you know Gary Busey right? Wild-eyed actor from classics like Point Break and Lethal Weapon? Well he is in the news for something pretty serious and not movie related this time. It involves some legal trouble and accusations from a movie convention a while back.
Monster-Mania Mayhem: Groping Allegations at Cherry Hill Convention Lead to Court
Let's rewind to August 2022. Gary Busey was a guest at Monster-Mania Con a horror movie convention in Cherry Hill New Jersey. Sounds like a fun event right? Unfortunately things reportedly took a really uncomfortable turn.
Fast forward to now and Busey is facing charges that he groped three women at this convention. We are talking about serious stuff here like criminal sexual contact attempted criminal sexual contact and harassment. Yikes.
The accusations are pretty detailed. Prosecutors are saying Busey grabbed two women's butts during photo ops. And it gets worse. One woman claimed he put his face close to her chest and tried to undo her bra. That's definitely crossing a line.
"Not Guilty" Plea and a Plan? Busey's Court Appearance and Defense Strategy
So what happened recently? Busey just appeared in court this week. It was a virtual arraignment meaning he dialed in via Zoom from California. He is 80 years old now by the way. His lawyer entered a plea of not guilty on his behalf.
Busey's lawyer claims "He totally denies anything illegal." They are planning to fight these charges in court if necessary. The defense is even working on a motion to dismiss the case and they have applied for a Pre-trial intervention program.
What's pre-trial intervention? It's basically a program for first-time offenders in New Jersey. If Busey gets accepted and completes it which usually involves things like community service and staying out of trouble the charges could eventually be dropped. It's a way to resolve the case without a trial if things go right for him.
"Accidental Touch"? Busey's Shifting Story and Apology Attempt
It seems like Busey's story about what happened has changed a bit. Initially when police contacted him about the allegations he reportedly denied groping anyone at all. But then things shifted.
Later court documents show that Busey asked detectives if he could apologize to the women. He even wanted the police to try and convince them to drop the charges. He also apparently suggested that any touching might have been accidental just you know bumping into someone in a crowded place maybe?
The convention Monster-Mania Con responded pretty quickly back in 2022 when the allegations surfaced. They said they removed Busey from the event and told him not to come back. They also encouraged the women to file police reports which they did leading to these charges.
Key Details of the Gary Busey Groping Case:
- Accusations: Groping buttocks of two women attempted bra unlatching of a third.
- Location: Monster-Mania Con Cherry Hill New Jersey Doubletree Hotel August 2022.
- Charges: Fourth-degree criminal sexual contact attempted criminal sexual contact harassment.
- Plea: Not guilty.
- Legal Strategy: Motion to dismiss pre-trial intervention program application.
- Busey's Response: Initial denial later apology attempt suggesting accidental touching.
- Next Court Date: April 21.
What's Next for Busey? Legal Battles and Hollywood Legacy
So what happens now? Busey is facing these charges and will go through the legal process. His lawyer is working on getting the case dismissed or into this pre-trial program. We will have to wait and see what the court decides and what happens at his next hearing in April.
This whole situation is definitely casting a shadow over Gary Busey's long Hollywood career. He is known for being a bit of a wild character on and off screen and these allegations are adding another chapter to that story but a very serious one. We will be keeping an eye on how this case unfolds.