What We Know About The Alarming Charges Gary Busey Is Facing
Trigger warning: The following article includes allegations of domestic abuse and sexual assault.
While Gary Busey is well-regarded as one of America's foremost actors, he is also known for his turbulent personal life. In 1988, for instance, 10 years after his big breakthrough as Buddy Holly in the hit biographical film "The Buddy Holly Story," Busey became severely injured in a motorcycle accident, suffering a skull fracture and permanent brain damage (Busey was also not wearing a helmet). He has also undergone significant substance abuse and addiction issues, even getting arrested in 1995 after overdosing on cocaine.
Most followers of Busey will recall that he was a patient on the second season of "Celebrity Rehab" in 2008 for his former cocaine addiction, as well as the use of medical marijuana for his asthma (Busey had been sober from cocaine for 13 years at the time of filming, however, and claimed he was there as a mentor to other patients in the facility, per the New York Post). During filming for the season, psychiatrist Charles Sophy posited that Busey's brain injury had a greater impact on him than Busey initially thought, claiming that it was "weakening" his "mental filters," and caused him to act impulsively.
Though Busey had stayed relatively out of the spotlight in recent years, he's now back in the headlines — unfortunately, it isn't thanks to an upcoming film or positive personal news.
Gary Busey has been charged with several counts of sexual misconduct
According to The New York Times, actor Gary Busey is facing several criminal charges of sexual harassment for inappropriate conduct among fans. The incidents took place at a fan convention known as the Monster-Mania Con in Cherry Hill, New Jersey, where he was a featured guest. The convention took place from August 12 to 14 at the Doubletree Hotel, and is a semi-annual event meant to celebrate horror films and let fans interact with celebrities and actors, per The Philadelphia Inquirer.
Specifically, the charges Busey is facing are two counts of fourth-degree criminal sexual contact, one count of fourth-degree attempted criminal sexual contact, and one count of harassment.
Although Cherry Hill police did not reveal what specifically transpired, they did report that "it was about contact. It was about touching," per the Inquirer. They added that they had received "multiple complaints" about Busey's conduct at the convention. So far, neither Busey nor his representatives have responded to the allegations.
If you or anyone you know has been a victim of sexual assault, help is available. Visit the Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network website or contact RAINN's National Helpline at 1-800-656-HOPE (4673).