Bryshere Gray, best known for his role as Hakeem Lyon on FOX’s hit series Empire, is once again in the spotlight for the wrong reasons.
The 31-year-old actor has been charged with assault and battery in Chesapeake, Virginia, according to court records. However, local authorities confirmed that Gray was not arrested; rather, the charge was filed by a private citizen.
The alleged victim, identified as Dustin “Chosen” Wilkins, claims the altercation occurred following a heated dispute. Wilkins, who described Gray as a close associate, told local media that the conflict escalated unexpectedly.
“As I was explaining to him that he can’t just leave without paying… I told him, ‘You have enough problems, I’m trying to save your life,’” Wilkins recalled. “That’s when he charged toward me from around the car, hit me with his shoulder, and started fighting me as I was recording it on the phone.”
Wilkins also hinted at Gray’s ongoing mental health struggles, saying:
“Something took place in a mental health aspect. I can’t disclose the details, but Bryshere is a friend like a brother. He’s dealing with some very real mental health issues.”
This is not Gray’s first brush with the law. In 2020, he was arrested on domestic violence charges, and in 2022, he faced consequences for violating his probation.
While fans remain concerned about Gray’s wellbeing, many have expressed hope that he receives the mental health support he needs to address these ongoing challenges.