Bryshere Y. Gray, the 31-year-old actor famed for his role on “Empire,” is facing an assault and battery charge following an altercation at a Homewood Suites in Chesapeake. Unlike typical arrests, the charge was filed by a private citizen—Dustin Wilkins, also known as Chosen Wilkins, who is an associate of Gray.
Court documents detail that the incident unfolded after an argument on Friday afternoon. Wilkins alleges Gray charged him from behind a car, delivering a shoulder check, throwing punches, and striking him even while Wilkins was recording the incident on his phone. The confrontation escalated quickly into a physical fight.
However, Wilkins later provided a different perspective during an on-camera interview with 10 On Your Side’s Andy Fox. He described Gray not as an aggressor, but as someone struggling with mental health issues. “Something took place in a mental health aspect,” Wilkins said, emphasizing their close relationship by adding, “Bryshere is a friend, he’s like my brother. He is just someone who is dealing with some very interesting mental health issues.”
Wilkins also helped Gray secure bond, asserting that jail would not be suitable for him. “Bryshere doesn’t need to be in jail. He wouldn’t survive in jail. He needs mental help,” Wilkins said.
This incident adds to a complex history for Gray, who was previously arrested in 2020 in Phoenix, Arizona, over allegations of assaulting his wife. Whether this earlier case relates to his current situation is yet to be determined.
Gray is due in court for arraignment on Wednesday. As the legal proceedings move forward, the case raises important questions about how the justice system addresses individuals facing mental health challenges.
