Bryshere Y. Gray, the former Empire star who played Hakeem Lyon, is now making waves in Kenya and reportedly turning his celebrity name into cash through club appearances and podcast gigs.
Gray, once one of the breakout faces of the Fox drama, has kept his name in the headlines for all the wrong reasons over the years.
In 2020, he was arrested in Arizona after a domestic violence incident and later pleaded guilty to aggravated assault, landing him behind bars and on probation.
Reports at the time said police rushed to his home outside Phoenix after a tense standoff.
His wife allegedly flagged down a Good Samaritan and claimed Gray had assaulted her for hours inside their home.
He was arrested again in 2022 for an alleged probation violation, adding to his growing list of legal woes.
Then in June 2025, Gray was hit with misdemeanor assault and battery charges in Virginia after a hotel incident.
But the case did not stick for long, after the alleged victim asked the court to throw it out.
Now, instead of Hollywood red carpets, Gray is drawing attention in Nairobi, where his presence is sparking plenty of chatter in entertainment circles and on social media.
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His move into Kenya’s nightlife and media scene has made him a talking point, with many curious about how the actor known for playing a rebellious music star on TV is now living a very different life off-screen.
For fans and critics alike, Gray’s journey is one of fame, fallouts, and a surprising second act far from the US spotlight.