Bryshere Gray, best known for playing Hakeem Lyon on Empire, is facing legal trouble again — but his close friend insists what the troubled star really needs isn’t more time behind bars … it’s serious mental health treatment.
Friend Speaks Out: “He Needs Help, Not Prison”
Dustin “Chosen” Wilkins, a filmmaker and longtime pal of Bryshere, filed a misdemeanor complaint against the actor on June 13 after a heated altercation at a hotel in Virginia turned physical.
But in an exclusive chat with TPR, Chosen says he never wanted Bryshere locked up. Instead, he hoped the legal filing would serve as a wake-up call to get the 30-year-old actor back on his meds and into treatment.
🗣️ “I love him like my little brother,” Chosen shared. “I filed because I care and because he’s not well. This was never about punishment.”
Bryshere’s Struggles Behind the Scenes
Chosen says Gray, who was preparing to co-star in a reality series called The Starboy, had been doing well managing his mental health conditions and staying responsible about taking his medication and limiting alcohol.
But he claims Gray recently fell off track under the influence of people who don’t have his best interests at heart.
The Incident That Changed Everything
The two were staying in Virginia, prepping for their upcoming project, when a hotel dispute escalated. Chosen bypassed police and filed directly with the Chesapeake magistrate’s office, leading to a warrant for Gray’s arrest.
Bryshere was taken into custody on June 15. In a twist, Chosen himself posted bond and secured Gray’s release within hours.
📝 FYI: Chosen is adamant the fight wasn’t over money. Despite originally describing it as a “payment dispute” in his complaint, he now says it stemmed entirely from Bryshere’s fragile mental state at the time.
“I Regret Filing the Complaint”
Chosen admits he’s conflicted about his decision to involve the courts:
🗣️ “I thought this might push him into treatment. Jail is the last place Bryshere should be. I just want him to heal.”
However, a no-contact order between the two remains in place, making it impossible for Chosen to reach out directly. He recently tried to amend the bond provision to allow contact, but the court denied the request.
Career on Pause Amid Growing Concerns
Bryshere, once hailed as one of TV’s breakout stars, has been dropped by his public relations agency this week over concerns about his mental health and his legal representation.
🗨️ “Our company integrity prevents us from participating in any activity that places Mr. Gray at risk,” the agency said in a statement. “We are not familiar with the legal representation handling Mr. Gray’s criminal case in Virginia. Their representation makes us uncomfortable, and we hope for the best outcome for Mr. Gray.”
Will Bryshere Return to Hollywood?
Sources close to Gray say the Canal Street actor has hinted he wants to leave the entertainment industry altogether, calling it “too toxic and hard on his mental health.”
Meanwhile, production sources confirm Bryshere is no longer involved with The Starboy project.
What’s Next for Bryshere?
The actor is scheduled to appear in court later this month. His attorney has yet to respond to media requests, and with mounting concerns about his wellbeing, his future — both personally and professionally — remains uncertain.
📢 Do you think Bryshere deserves a second chance if he seeks help? Or has Hollywood been too hard on him? Sound off below!
