WATCH: Awkward Moment as Empire Actor Hakeem Lyon Asks Kenyan Woman to Bend And Tie His Shoelaces

A Kenyan woman has gone viral after a surprising encounter with American actor Bryshere Y. Grey, popularly known as Hakeem Lyon from the hit TV series Empire.

The Moment That Sparked It All

The incident happened at a posh club in a Nairobi estate where the actress was peacefully dancing. Hakeem, who was in Kenya for entertainment appearances and promotions, suddenly approached her from behind and asked her to tie his shoelaces.

In a video shared by her friends, the lady is seen turning around in disbelief. She politely but firmly turned down the request, questioning why he would expect her to kneel and tie his shoe.

Her friends captioned the clip:
“She was dancing like peace itself, then Hakeem Lyon from Empire said, ‘tie my shoe?’ sir?”

The woman herself told the camera:
“Hakeem is telling me to fix his shoes… Did he really think I’d kneel down and tie his shoe?”

A visibly annoyed Hakeem responded:
“I will do it myself,” before bending down to tie his own laces.ALSO READ: Empire actor Hakeem Lyon arrested again

Viral Reactions Online

The clip has since sparked massive reactions online, with many praising the lady for standing her ground.

Reactions from Kenyans Online

Lost Emerald wrote: “Hajawai rudi kwao? The audacity!”
Lizzie.With.Clippers commented: “Who does he think he is?”
Rubykimforyou said: “I cannot comprehend the audacity.”
rachelericacheyne posted: “Not a D-list celebrity who no one even cares about trying to humble a beautiful queen! ptho!”
moreen_wachira reacted: “Always trying to humble queens, always!”
Tr.Quintah wrote: “You did so well, coz who does he think he is.”
Nic commented: “The sisterhood is proud of you baby.”
Ire said: “I definitely would’ve looked at him like.”
lushvee posted: “Mungu mlinde because you were way too nice to him about that.”
Lilian Njagi reacted: “I saw this yesterday at black samurai…was like what.”
Sunshine Today commented: “Queen! Annoying video though, your friends yelling way too loud.”
Winny Kay-Me wrote: “God knows not to put me in such situations.”
5:55 said: “Does he know we have money?”
darkirvine11.11 reacted: “I am proud of this girl, bet the guy had placed a bet with his boys.”
betty.kerry posted: “Guy hiding in Kenya after several arrests at his home country.”
lady_quintah commented: “Total disrespect, I'm proud of our girl, she knows her worth.”
adijhanita wrote: “Huyu Hakeem lost his touch after Empire. Haven't seen him in any other major projects.”

Mixed Opinions Emerge

The video has left many Kenyans divided — some calling the request disrespectful, while others see it as a light-hearted moment that was blown out of proportion.

What do you think about the encounter? Would you have tied the shoe or done exactly what the lady did? Drop your thoughts in the comments below.