Lethal Weapon Star Gary Busey Pleads Guilty to Groping Charge Three Years After Denial
Lethal Weapon actor Gary Busey, now 81, has officially pleaded guilty to one count of fourth-degree criminal sexual contact, admitting during a virtual court hearing on July 31, 2025 that he inappropriately touched a woman at the 2022 Monster-Mania Convention in Cherry Hill, New Jersey reported movieweb.
The incident occurred during a meet-and-greet photo opportunity at Monster-Mania, held from August 12–14, 2022, at the DoubleTree Hotel. Busey was accused by multiple women for inappropriately touching them. Actions described as groping over clothing, attempts to unhook a bra, and other lewd behaviour during brief encounters.
At the time of the allegations, Busey firmly denied any wrongdoing, maintaining that the women fabricated the story and that any interactions lasted no more than ten seconds. He insisted, “nothing happened… it’s all false”. But during the courtroom hearing, he conceded the act was intentional, clarifying, “It was not an accidental touching”.
Under a plea agreement, Busey admitted guilt to a single count of criminal sexual contact. Prosecutors dismissed three additional counts of fourth‑degree criminal sexual contact and one count of attempted sexual contact. His defence attorney, Blair Zwillman, characterised the arrangement as the best path forward, stressing Busey is “basically a family guy” rather than a criminal, and that they would seek only fines and avoid probation at sentencing.
The Zoom court proceeding, presided over by Judge Gwendolyn Blue, featured awkward moments. Busey struggled to hear instructions as he wears a hearing aid, and at one point questioned, “Am I pleading guilty?” after hesitation. The judge reinforced the voluntary nature of the plea and clarified the need for an intentional act to support the charge.
Sentencing is scheduled for September 18, 2025, and Busey could face one to five years of probation, fines, and potential DNA submission. His legal team aims to minimise penalties, hoping for fines and no probation.
An Academy Award nominee for The Buddy Holly Story, Busey has had a decades-spanning career with roles in Lethal Weapon, Predator 2, Point Break, and Under Siege. His personal history includes prior legal controversies, including drug-related incidents, allegations of domestic abuse, and accusations of inappropriate conduct in various settings.
This situation underscores the seriousness of misconduct allegations at fan conventions and illustrates how public figures can face legal and reputational consequences, even years after the alleged incidents. It also highlights the complexities of virtual court proceedings, particularly for older defendants.
