CHESAPEAKE, Virginia — Bryshere Y. Gray, the actor who rose to fame as Hakeem Lyon in the television drama Empire, has been charged with assault and battery following an alleged altercation with a close associate.
The 31-year-old was not arrested by police but was instead charged by a private citizen, authorities in Chesapeake confirmed. He is facing a single count of misdemeanor assault and battery.
Court documents seen by WAVY-TV identify the complainant as Dustin Wilkins, a friend and associate of Gray who also goes by the name “Chosen.” Wilkins claims the incident occurred last Friday during a heated exchange that turned physical.
“He came at me from behind the car,” Wilkins told WAVY. “He charged into me with his shoulder while I was trying to record everything on my phone… He hit me and punched me.”
According to the arrest warrant, Wilkins had confronted Gray about an unresolved matter. “I told him he couldn’t just leave without settling things,” the complaint reads. “I said, ‘You already have enough problems… I’m trying to save your life.’”
Gray was reportedly arrested two days later, on Sunday, and was later released on bond. He is due in court for arraignment on Wednesday.
Despite the confrontation, Wilkins stressed that Gray is not a violent person.
“Bryshere is like a brother to me,” he said. “He’s not a bad person. But something happened, something related to his mental health. I can’t say exactly what, but I know he needs help not jail.”
Wilkins believes the justice system is the wrong place for his friend.
“Bryshere doesn’t need to be behind bars,” he added. “He wouldn’t survive in jail. He needs proper mental health treatment.”
This is not Gray’s first encounter with the law. In 2020, he was arrested in Arizona after his wife called 911 claiming she had been assaulted. That incident led to an overnight standoff with police. Gray later pleaded guilty to felony aggravated assault, receiving a 10-day jail sentence and three years of probation.
In 2021, he was involved in a reported scuffle at a 7-Eleven, described by witnesses as a “food fight.” A year later, he was arrested again for violating the terms of his probation.
Mental health experts have long warned of the pressures faced by public figures, especially those who find fame at a young age. While Gray has not spoken publicly about his struggles, those close to him say he is grappling with issues that require professional attention.
As the case unfolds, the focus appears to be shifting from punishment to support. For Wilkins, at least, this isn’t about revenge it’s about helping a friend who may be in crisis.
“He’s just not well right now,” Wilkins said. “And that should matter more than anything.”
