Las Vegas reality TV star ‘blacked out,’ killed woman in drug-fueled rage: documentary

The reality TV show Gigolos, which aired on Showtime from 2011 to 2016, offered audiences a provocative glimpse into the lives of five male escorts living in Las Vegas. The series, which often blurred the lines between drama and documentary, became a guilty pleasure for many viewers, sparking conversations about sex work, relationships, and the boundaries of reality television. However, the show’s reputation took a dark and unexpected turn when one of its stars, Akshaya "Ash" Kubiak, was arrested and convicted of murder. This shocking twist has reignited discussions about the lives of reality TV personalities and the darker truths that can lie beneath the surface of their on-screen personas.

In July 2020, Ash Kubiak, who appeared on Gigolos under the name Ash Armand, was involved in a tragic and violent incident that would change his life forever. According to court documents, Kubiak and 29-year-old Herleen Dulai consumed psychedelic mushrooms together before the situation escalated into a deadly confrontation. Kubiak ultimately bludgeoned Dulai to death in a drug-fueled frenzy, leaving her body with severe blunt force trauma to the head and neck, as well as evidence of strangulation. When police arrived at the scene after Kubiak’s 911 call, they found Dulai lifeless, and Kubiak initially claimed she had attacked him. However, he later admitted to the crime, telling investigators, "I did this." Detectives also uncovered evidence of an attempted cleanup, with blood found in the washing machine and diluted blood in the bathroom. These details painted a chilling picture of the events that unfolded.

The case took another dramatic turn in September 2021, when Kubiak pleaded guilty to felony charges of voluntary manslaughter and mayhem. He was sentenced to eight to 20 years in prison, marking a stark contrast to the glamorous and carefree image he had cultivated on Gigolos. The story of Kubiak’s descent from reality TV star to convicted murderer is now the subject of a three-part documentary series on Paramount+, titled Sin City Gigolo: A Murder in Las Vegas. The documentary explores Kubiak’s life through interviews with his family, friends, and former castmates, though Kubiak himself does not appear in the series. Director Barbara Shearer explained that while they had hoped to include his voice, they relied on archival footage and phone calls to piece together his story. Kubiak’s attorney did not respond to requests for comment.

For six seasons, Gigolos captivated audiences by pulling back the curtain on the lives of sex workers in Las Vegas, a city where legal prostitution is a controversial but enduring part of the culture. Nevada is the only state in the U.S. where prostitution is legal, though it is strictly regulated and confined to licensed brothels. The show often sparked debates about the ethics of sex work and the exploitation of its participants, with critics questioning whether the series sensationalized or glamorized the industry. Kubiak, who joined the show in its third season, billed himself as a "sex and fitness educator" and described himself as a father on his social media profiles. His involvement in Gigolos was just one chapter in a life that ultimately took a devastating turn.

Herleen Dulai, the victim in this tragic case, was a vibrant and accomplished young woman whose life was cut short in horrific circumstances. A native of Northern California, Dulai was a graduate of Temple University and worked as a personal trainer in Las Vegas at the time of her death. Her obituary described her as someone who was deeply committed to making a difference in the world, stating, "Throughout her journey, she was fulfilling her life’s purpose of making a difference. She touched every soul she came into contact with and left a sparkle." Dulai’s death has left her family and friends grappling with an unimaginable loss, and her story serves as a poignant reminder of the fragility of life and the impact of violence.

The case of Ash Kubiak and Herleen Dulai raises uncomfortable questions about the intersection of reality TV, crime, and the human condition. While Gigolos offered viewers a voyeuristic look at the lives of its cast members, it also highlighted the complexities and risks inherent in their line of work. Kubiak’s downfall serves as a grim reminder that the personas we see on screen are only a fraction of the real people behind them, and that even those who appear confident and charismatic can harb