American reality star Ash Armand rose to fame on Gigolos but is now serving an 8–20 year prison sentence for voluntary manslaughter. His journey from reality TV stardom to a tragic legal downfall is a story of fame, controversy, and lasting cultural impact.
Early Life and Background
Roots and Upbringing
Ash Armand, born Akshaya Kubiak, grew up in a uniquely multicultural household, spending his formative years between Maine and Japan. Raised in an environment that blended spiritual practices with alternative lifestyle philosophies, Armand developed a distinct approach to personal identity, wellness, and sexuality from an early age.
Identity and Early Aspirations
Before entering the entertainment world, Armand was known among friends for his interest in sexuality education, fitness, and meditation. These early pursuits would later shape his public persona as the introspective “zen master” on reality television.
Breakthrough With Gigolos
Joining the Cast
Armand joined the Showtime reality series Gigolos in 2012, a program that followed the lives of male escorts in Las Vegas. His addition to the cast brought a spiritual and reflective perspective that set him apart from his colleagues.
Role and Public Image
On Gigolos, Armand became known for his calm demeanor, philosophical insights, and open discussions about intimacy and human connection. His approach resonated with viewers, positioning him as one of the more thoughtful and relatable personalities on the show. Despite its controversial premise, Gigolos offered Armand a platform to express his views on sex, relationships, and self-awareness.
Personal Life Before the Crime
Relationships and Family
Armand was a father to a teenage son and maintained several close personal relationships that, for the most part, remained private. Friends described him as introspective, often focused on wellness, meditation, and alternative lifestyle practices.
Public Presence and Social Profile
Beyond television, Armand cultivated a public image centered on sensuality education, personal growth, and spiritual mindfulness. His social media accounts frequently shared reflections on life, meditation, and sexual health, which aligned with his reputation as a thoughtful and expressive public figure.
The 2020 Murder Case
The Incident
In July 2020, Armand became the center of a tragic criminal case. After reportedly consuming psychedelic mushrooms with his partner, Herleen Dulai, he found her unconscious. What followed was a violent encounter that led to her death.
Legal Charges and Trial
In 2021, Armand pleaded guilty to voluntary manslaughter and mayhem. The court sentenced him to 8–20 years in Nevada state prison. This high-profile trial drew significant media attention, given his visibility from Gigolos and the unusual circumstances of the crime.
Victim Profile and Impact
Herleen Dulai, Armand’s partner at the time, was remembered by friends and family as compassionate and community-oriented. Her tragic death sparked discussions across social media and reality TV fandoms, highlighting the human consequences behind sensational headlines.
Life Behind Bars and Cultural Aftermath
Ongoing Imprisonment
Armand is serving his sentence at High Desert State Prison in Nevada. Public appearances are limited, and much of his current life is confined to the prison system.
Pop Culture Resonance
Despite his incarceration, Armand’s story continues to attract attention. The 2025 Paramount+ docuseries Sin City Gigolo revisited his rise and fall, examining both his contributions to reality television and the circumstances leading to his conviction. Additionally, Armand’s name surfaced in 2025 media coverage of the Sean “Diddy” Combs trial, in which he was alleged to have been involved in a social event later scrutinized in court, further complicating his public image.
Public Perception and Controversy
Fan Reactions and Backlash
The public reaction to Armand’s conviction was intense. Fans of Gigolos and true crime audiences debated his culpability, often expressing a mixture of disbelief and disappointment. Social media platforms became forums for discussion about reality TV ethics, accountability, and the dangers of drug-fueled decision-making.
Ethical Debates Around Sex Work and Fame
Armand’s case also reignited conversations about the ethical dimensions of reality television and sex work. Critics questioned how fame intersects with personal responsibility, while supporters emphasized the pressures and vulnerabilities inherent in public life.
Net Worth and Financial Footprint
While Armand achieved fame on Gigolos, there is limited verified information about his net worth. Estimates are speculative, and there are no confirmed records of major business ventures or strategic investments. His financial footprint largely derives from reality TV appearances and related public engagements before his legal troubles.
Biography Table
| Fact | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Akshaya “Ash” Kubiak (@ash_armand) |
| Known As | Ash Armand |
| Profession | Reality TV star (Gigolos) |
| Nationality | American |
| Early Life | Raised in Maine and Japan |
| Children | 1 son (private details) |
| Legal Status | Incarcerated (8–20 years) |
| Notable Works | Gigolos |
| Net Worth | Unverified public estimates |
Frequently Asked Questions
What happened to Ash Armand after Gigolos?
He became involved in a criminal case resulting in a conviction for voluntary manslaughter.
Is Ash Armand in prison?
Yes, he is serving an 8–20 year sentence in Nevada.
Who was Herleen Dulai?
Herleen Dulai was Armand’s partner at the time of her death, remembered for her compassion and community involvement.
Was Gigolos cancelled because of legal issues?
Gigolos ended independently of Armand’s case, though his situation brought renewed attention to the series.
How is Ash Armand connected to the Diddy trial?
He was alleged to have attended a social event referenced during the 2025 Sean “Diddy” Combs trial.
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Final Thoughts
Ash Armand’s story is a complex intersection of fame, personal choices, and tragic consequences. From his early life in Maine and Japan to his rise as the reflective “zen master” on Gigolos, Armand captured public interest through charisma and authenticity. Yet his later actions and conviction for voluntary manslaughter reshaped his legacy, highlighting the vulnerabilities of reality TV fame and the real-life consequences of impulsive decisions. Today, Armand remains a cautionary figure whose life continues to provoke reflection on accountability, media ethics, and the enduring fascination with celebrity culture.
Ahsan Ullah is an entertainment writer at WhoFame.com, covering celebrity biographies, career highlights, and verified public information. His work focuses on accuracy, clarity, and reader-friendly reporting of pop culture topics.
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