Ash Armand, a former star of the controversial Showtime reality series *Gigolos*, has become embroiled in a tragic criminal case that has dramatically altered the course of his life. In 2021, Armand pleaded guilty to voluntary manslaughter and mayhem in connection with the death of Herleen Dulai in July 2020. His plea followed a violent incident that led to Dulai’s death, which was later ruled a homicide due to blunt force trauma and strangulation.
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The incident occurred after both individuals reportedly ingested psychedelic mushrooms. During the altercation that ensued, Armand claimed he “blacked out” and was unable to recall the events leading up to Dulai’s death. Upon calling emergency services, he informed them that Dulai was unconscious, yet upon arrival, paramedics discovered the room surrounded by signs of violence. Despite Armand’s attempts at performing CPR, Dulai was pronounced dead at the scene.
In a poignant statement to the court during his sentencing hearing in December 2021, Armand expressed deep remorse, insisting that he had never intended to harm Dulai. “I have never hit a woman in my life, and I certainly never wanted to hurt Herleen,” he stated, reflecting the gravity of the situation and his emotional turmoil.
Armand, whose birth name is Akshaya Kubiak, had previously featured on *Gigolos*, a series that explored the lives of male escorts in Las Vegas. Described as the group’s “zen master,” he was known for his alternative approach to life, which included elements of healing and self-awareness. Raised between Maine and Japan, his upbringing was marked by a blend of Eastern and Western philosophies concerning wellness and sexuality.
The circumstances surrounding Dulai’s life are equally poignant. At just 29 years old, she was described in her obituary as a warm and loving individual who had a profound impact on those around her. A graduate of Temple University, Dulai was working as a personal trainer at the time of her death and was remembered for her engaging spirit and dedication to nurturing youth through her work in community programs.
The nature of Armand and Dulai’s relationship remains a subject of confusion. Their friendship reportedly included some business ventures, although details remain scarce. While some accounts suggest that Dulai may have been one of Armand’s clients, others dispute this notion entirely. Regardless, the events of that tragic night ultimately led to the devastating loss of a vibrant life.
Following the ruling of homicide, Armand faced serious legal repercussions. Initially charged with murder, he opted to plead guilty to lesser charges of voluntary manslaughter and mayhem in an attempt to spare Dulai’s family the ordeal of a trial. His sentence requires him to serve a prison term ranging from eight to 20 years.
*Gigolos,* which ran for six seasons until its cancellation in 2016, frequently faced scrutiny regarding the legality of its content. Prostitution is legal in certain parts of Nevada, yet the nature of the activities depicted in the show often raised questions about legality, particularly since the escort services appeared to operate outside of licensed brothels. Despite the controversies, Armand and his fellow cast members portrayed their experiences as part of a legitimate companionship service.
Since his sentencing, Armand has been incarcerated in a correctional facility in Nevada, where he continues to serve his sentence. Although efforts to interview him for the docuseries *Sin City Gigolo* faced challenges, he remains a significant figure in discussions surrounding the show and the broader implications of his case.
Interestingly, new developments have arisen regarding Armand’s association with Sean “Diddy” Combs in a separate legal matter. In May 2025, reports indicated that Armand was implicated in Combs’ trial related to extravagant sexual performances, indicating an ongoing complexity to his past and connections within the entertainment industry.
As Ash Armand navigates his prison sentence and the consequences of his actions, the tragic story of Herleen Dulai serves as a stark reminder of the fragility of life and the unforeseen ramifications that can stem from a single moment of violence. Dulai’s legacy, celebrated by those who knew her, continues to resonate as a poignant reflection on community, compassion, and the unpredictability of human behaviour.