A Reality“ ”TV“ ”Star ‘Lost His Mind’ and Beat His Friend to Death. What to Know About Ash Armand’s Case — and Where He Is Now Nearly 5 Years Later

Reality TV Star Convicted of Manslaughter: The Case of Ash Armand

Ash Armand, a former reality star known for his appearance on Showtime’s ‘Gigolos,’ has been sentenced to eight to 20 years in prison after pleading guilty to voluntary manslaughter and mayhem for the 2020 beating death of Herleen Dulai. The tragic incident took place in July 2020, shocking fans and colleagues alike.

The case resurfaced recently with the premiere of the Paramount+ docuseries ‘Sin City Gigolo,’ which delves into the details of the crime and features interviews with former cast and crew members who worked with Armand. The director of the series, Barbara Shearer, shed light on the investigation, expressing concerns about a potential rush to judgment in the initial stages.

Armand, whose real name is Akshaya Kubiak, maintained that he had never intended to harm Dulai and claimed that he had blacked out during the altercation. However, authorities found Dulai dead at the scene with signs of blunt force trauma and strangulation, leading to Armand’s arrest and subsequent legal battle.

Despite Armand’s statements during his sentencing hearing in December 2021, where he professed his innocence regarding violence towards women, the court determined his guilt in the case. The details surrounding the circumstances of the crime, including the consumption of psychedelic mushrooms by both parties, added complexity to the investigation and subsequent legal proceedings.

Born in Maine and raised in Japan, Armand’s background was described as unconventional and spiritually rich by those close to him. He joined ‘Gigolos’ in its third season, showcasing his persona as the group’s “zen master.” However, the dark turn of events in 2020 shattered the image that fans and colleagues had of him, leaving many in shock and disbelief.

Herleen Dulai, the victim in this tragic incident, was remembered by friends and family as a vibrant and compassionate soul. Her untimely death at the age of 29 sent shockwaves through the community, with many struggling to come to terms with the senseless act of violence that claimed her life.

The legal proceedings that followed Dulai’s death culminated in Armand pleading guilty to felony charges of voluntary manslaughter and mayhem. The court sentenced him to a lengthy prison term, holding him accountable for his actions and providing some semblance of closure to Dulai’s loved ones.

As the case gained national attention, questions arose about the fate of ‘Gigolos’ and its controversial portrayal of the escort industry. While the show faced criticism for its depiction of sex work, the cancellation in 2016 came as a surprise to many, leaving fans and critics speculating about the underlying reasons behind the decision.

Currently serving his prison sentence, Armand’s whereabouts remain confined to a correctional facility in Nevada. Despite efforts to include his perspective in the docuseries shedding light on the case, logistical constraints prevented direct interviews with the convicted reality star. His absence looms large in the narrative, serving as a stark reminder of the tragic consequences of one fateful night in July 2020.

The legacy of Ash Armand is marred by the events surrounding Dulai’s death, forever altering the trajectory of his life and the lives of those connected to the case. As the legal proceedings draw to a close, the scars left by this tragedy serve as a grim reminder of the fragility of life and the irreversible impact of violence.