Latest news with #DoubleTreeHilton
Metro
01-08-2025
- Entertainment
- Metro
Gary Busey pleads guilty to sexual misconduct charges: 'It was not accidental'
Actor Gary Busey has pleaded guilty to criminal sexual misconduct. Busey, 81, has admitted that he purposely touched a woman inappropriately at a horror film convention in New Jersey in 2022, charges he previously denied. The Point Break actor told the judge, 'It was not an accidental touching,' according to The Guardian. Prosecutors have now agreed to dismiss three other counts of criminal sexual contact as well as one count of attempted criminal sexual contact, in exchange for Busey's guilty plea. The charges relate to incidents at the Monster-Mania convention, held from August 12 to 14, 2022, at a DoubleTree Hilton hotel in Cherry Hill, a suburb of Philadelphia. Five women accused Busey of inappropriate touching during photo opportunities at the event. According to authorities, Busey allegedly grabbed the buttocks of two women and attempted to unhook a third woman's bra while putting his face near her breasts, the Philadelphia Inquirer reported. The case garnered renewed attention this week after Busey's attorney, Blair Zwillman, attempted to have the indictment dismissed. Zwillman argued that law enforcement had conducted a 'faulty' investigation and failed to interview potentially relevant witnesses. However, Camden County prosecutor Keith Carmy countered that extensive witness testimony had already been presented to the grand jury and that there was no evidence to suggest exculpatory material had been withheld. Judge Gwendolyn Blue ultimately denied the motion to dismiss. Following Busey's guilty plea, she tentatively scheduled a virtual sentencing hearing for September 18. Busey reportedly had difficulty hearing during the court proceedings despite wearing a hearing aid. He now faces a sentence that may include one to five years of probation, financial penalties, and the mandatory submission of a DNA sample. The actor initially denied any wrongdoing. 'None of that happened,' he told TMZ. 'It was a partner, a camera lady and me, and two girls … it took less than 10 seconds, and they left. Then they made up a story that I assaulted them sexually and I did not. Nothing happened, it's all false.' While Busey is often remembered for his Oscar-nominated portrayal of rock-and-roll pioneer Buddy Holly in The Buddy Holly Story (1978), his later career has been overshadowed by troubling legal and personal issues. More Trending He has amassed over 100 credits in film and television, frequently appearing in offbeat or villainous roles in films such as Lethal Weapon, Point Break, and Under Siege. This is not Busey's first run-in with the law. In 1995, he was hospitalized following a near-fatal cocaine overdose and was subsequently charged with drug offenses. He has also faced previous allegations of spousal abuse, and during the 2011 season of Celebrity Apprentice, a female employee accused him of sexual assault. The actor has not made a public statement since entering his plea. Got a story? If you've got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the entertainment team by emailing us celebtips@ calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we'd love to hear from you. MORE: Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni 'come face-to-face' for first time since It Ends With Us war MORE: Tom Hiddleston's fiance Zawe Ashton reveals 'toxic' messages from family after wedding claims MORE: Fast and Furious villain warns they're 'ready to go' for final sequel appearance
Edinburgh Reporter
19-05-2025
- Health
- Edinburgh Reporter
Patient Access Seminar will explore route to life-changing medicines
On 28 May, Scotland will host its first Patient Access Seminar, a landmark event exploring how patients in Scotland gain access to innovative medicines in Scotland. Taking place at the DoubleTree Hilton hotel, the event will delve into the unique approach, processes and pathways enabling Scottish patients to access vital, innovative medicines at fair prices. Hosted by AXIS, a firm of reimbursement experts in partnership with the Ethical Medicines Industry Group (EMIG), the event will bring together businesses from the Scottish patient access ecosystem. The seminar is intended to highlight the specific processes that make access to medicines easier, and will create opportunities to develop a deeper understanding of the different perspectives of those involved in supporting access of medicines to patients. This unique event will provide an open platform to foster meaningful dialogue and identify practical solutions that can enhance healthcare outcomes in Scotland. 'At the heart of this conference is mutual recognition and collaboration,' said Brenda Dooley, Chief Executive at AXIS and Managing Secretariat of EMIG Scotland. 'This event is about finding common ground, focusing on the strides Scotland has taken to maximise access and doing more of that to ensure patients are at the heart of decision making across the stakeholder community. Exploring Scotland's healthcare landscape The Patient Access Seminar will spotlight the specific strengths of the Scottish system since the publication of the Montgomery report almost 10 years ago – including the Patient and Clinician Engagement (PACE) process and Ultra-Orphan Medicine Pathway facilitating early access to new orphan drugs. While recognising the challenges around expediting access to new treatments – Scotland was ranked twelfth for availability to new medicines in the latest EFPIA Patients W.A.I.T Indicator Report – this event will focus on the innovative approaches and schemes Scotland has taken to support equitable access to promising new medicines, heralding the nation as an example for other countries to follow. Scotland's first Patient Access Seminar will feature two expert-led panel discussions with several keynote speakers, addressing topics such as the role of research and evidence generation, access routes to medicines treating rare diseases, the impact of the PACE approach, and the evolution of the Scottish healthcare system. Speakers include prominent figures shaping the Scottish healthcare landscape, such as Professor Alison Strath, Chief Pharmaceutical Officer for the Scottish Government, Sir Michael Ferguson, Regius Professor of Life Sciences at the University of Dundee, Dr Jane Haley, MBE, Director of Research, MND Scotland and Henry Simmons, Chief Executive, Alzheimer's Scotland. Crucially, the patient voice, delivered through Patient Groups and individuals themselves, will be given the chance to share their views and experiences. By sharing expert insights alongside personal accounts, the event aims to capture the human impact of industry processes and help bridge the gap between policy and practice to ensure patients are at the heart of decision-making across all stakeholders. A catalyst for change Brenda Dooley emphasised the importance of collaboration, and said: 'Scotland has the potential to lead the way in early patient access. But to do so, we need to focus on what works well in the system and do more of it – patients are counting on us all.' The seminar aligns with Scotland's commitment to advancing healthcare innovation while recognising the economic realities of healthcare funding. By shining a light on solutions like streamlined reimbursement processes and enhanced communication among stakeholders, it aims to deliver actionable strategies for overcoming existing barriers. This event is free of charge and will run from 10 am to 4 pm on 28 May at the DoubleTree by Hilton at Edinburgh Airport. Like this: Like Related
