Bryshere Y. Gray, a 31-year-old actor who gained fame portraying Hakeem Lyon on the hit Fox series “Empire,” is once again facing legal scrutiny after being charged with assault and battery in Chesapeake, Virginia.
The charges stem from an incident that occurred Friday afternoon involving Gray and Dustin “Chosen” Wilkins, described as one of the actor’s associates. According to court documents obtained by local news station WAVY, the confrontation began as a dispute over payment and escalated into physical violence.
The Incident
The arrest warrant provides a detailed account of the altercation, with Wilkins alleging that Gray “charged towards me from around the car” and “charged into me with his shoulder.” The document further states that Gray “fought me as I was recording the incident over the phone” and delivered “a blunt blow to me and punched me.”
The incident reportedly unfolded as Wilkins was attempting to collect payment from Gray, telling him “he can’t just leave without paying” and warning that he had “enough problems.” The situation quickly deteriorated from a financial dispute into a physical confrontation.
In an unusual procedural development, Gray was not arrested at the scene by police officers but was instead charged through a private citizen complaint filed by Wilkins. Gray was subsequently arrested on Sunday, June 15, and released after posting bond.
Mental Health Concerns Raised
Despite filing the complaint, Wilkins expressed concern for Gray’s well-being during his interview with WAVY, suggesting that mental health issues may have contributed to the incident.
“Bryshere is not a bad person,” Wilkins stated. “All I can tell you is Bryshere is a friend; he’s like my brother. He is just someone who is dealing with some very interesting mental health issues.”
Wilkins declined to elaborate on the specific nature of Gray’s alleged mental health struggles, citing confidentiality concerns. However, he emphasized his belief that incarceration would not be appropriate for the actor.
“Bryshere doesn’t need to be in jail. He wouldn’t survive in jail. He needs mental help,” Wilkins told the news outlet.
Pattern of Legal Troubles
This latest incident adds to a troubling pattern of legal issues that have plagued Gray since his “Empire” days ended. His most serious previous charge came in 2020 when he was accused of assaulting his wife in Arizona, leading to a dramatic hours-long standoff with a SWAT team after a 911 call.
Gray ultimately pleaded guilty to felony aggravated assault in that case, receiving a sentence of 10 days in jail and three years of probation in 2021. The resolution of that case marked a significant fall from grace for the actor who had once been a rising star in Hollywood.
His legal troubles didn’t end there, however. Later in 2021, Gray was involved in what authorities described as a “food fight” incident at a 7-Eleven convenience store. The following year, in 2022, he faced additional consequences when he was arrested for violating the terms of his probation from the domestic violence case.
Court Appearance Scheduled
Gray is scheduled to appear in Chesapeake court for his arraignment on Wednesday, June 18, where he will formally respond to the misdemeanor assault and battery charge. The relatively minor nature of the current charge stands in contrast to his previous felony conviction, though it continues a concerning pattern of alleged violent behavior.
The actor’s career has been largely dormant since “Empire” concluded its six-season run in 2020. The show, which followed the Lyon family’s music empire, made Gray a household name and launched him into the spotlight as a young performer with a promising future in entertainment.
As Gray prepares for his court appearance, questions remain about whether he is receiving adequate mental health support and what steps might be taken to address the underlying issues that his associate suggests may be contributing to his repeated legal troubles.
The case serves as another reminder of the challenges faced by young stars who achieve rapid fame, particularly when personal struggles intersect with the pressures of public life and the entertainment industry.
WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW
Bryshere Y. Gray, former “Empire” star, faces new assault charges in Virginia following a dispute with an associate, marking his fourth legal incident since 2020. His associate, despite filing the complaint, believes Gray’s repeated legal troubles stem from untreated mental health issues rather than criminal intent, stating, “he needs mental help,” not jail time.
This case highlights the ongoing challenge of addressing mental health crises in the justice system, particularly for public figures whose previous convictions include domestic violence and probation violations
