“Empire” Star Bryshere Gray Accused of Attacking Associate in Parking Lot Blow-Up

Bryshere Y. Gray, known for his breakout role as Hakeem Lyon on “Empire,” is once again facing legal heat—this time in Chesapeake, Virginia.

According to WAVY, Gray has been hit with a misdemeanor assault and battery charge, filed not by police but by a private citizen. That citizen is reportedly Dustin “Chosen” Wilkins, a longtime associate of the actor.

Wilkins told WAVY the two got into it Friday after an argument escalated.

“He then charged towards me from around the car…charged into me with his shoulder… and fought me as I was recording the incident,” Wilkins claimed in the arrest warrant.

Although Gray bonded out after being taken in on Sunday, Wilkins emphasized that his friend needs support, not punishment. “Bryshere is a friend, he’s like my brother… he’s just someone who is dealing with some very interesting mental health issues,” he said.

Wilkins added, “Bryshere doesn’t need to be in jail. He wouldn’t survive in jail. He needs mental help.”

Gray is due in court on Wednesday. This comes after a 2020 domestic violence conviction and a 2022 probation violation.