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Noir Nation, former Empire actor Bryshere Gray, widely recognized for his breakout role as Hakeem Lyon, is no longer facing legal trouble following a hotel altercation in Virginia earlier this summer.

According to TMZ, the case was officially dropped this week after the alleged victim, Dustin “Chosen” Wilkins, submitted a request to the court for dismissal. The surprising turn comes after Wilkins told the court: “He needs help, not handcuffs.” He made it clear he would only press charges to ensure Bryshere sought mental health treatment.

🥊 The Alleged Altercation

Back in June, Bryshere allegedly punched Wilkins in the head during a heated exchange inside a hotel in Chesapeake, Virginia. After a warrant was issued for his arrest, the actor turned himself in.

💬 Victim Speaks Out

What makes this case especially unique is Wilkins’ public stance. He explained to TMZ that his intention wasn’t to see Bryshere behind bars, but rather to push him toward getting evaluated and receiving professional help.

By July 30th, the court honored Wilkins’ request and dropped the charges entirely.

🚨 A Troubled History

This isn’t Bryshere’s first legal issue. In 2020, he was arrested in Goodyear, Arizona after a domestic violence incident involving his then-wife. According to police reports, she escaped their home, flagged down help at a gas station, and told officers she had been assaulted for hours.

He later barricaded himself inside their home, leading to an hours-long standoff with SWAT. He was charged with assault, aggravated assault, and disorderly conduct, eventually pleading guilty in 2021. He received 10 days in jail, 3 years of probation, and was required to undergo domestic violence counseling.

Insiders say the recent incident and past behavior show a troubling pattern—one that’s worsened due to refusal of consistent mental health treatment and lack of accountability structures around him.

🧠 From Charges to Healing?

While the latest legal battle is now behind him, this moment highlights a deeper issue: a young Black man unraveling under public scrutiny, trauma, and unchecked mental health challenges.

Let’s hope this dismissal leads not to another public spiral—but to serious recovery, accountability, and healing.