There’s been an update on the story about the man accused of attacking Dave Chappelle on stage.
As reported on CNN, the Los Angeles District Attorney’s Office will not pursue felony charges against Isaiah Lee, 23. In a statement to the outlet, DA spokesperson Greg Risling said, “After reviewing the evidence, prosecutors determined that while criminal conduct occurred, the evidence as presented did not constitute [a] felony.” Risling said the case had been referred to the Los Angeles City Attorney’s Office for misdemeanor filing consideration. Lee remains in police custody.
On Tuesday (May 3) night, Dave performed at the Hollywood Bowl for the Netflix is a Joke: The Festival event. After he finished his act, as he was exiting the stage, a male (Lee) who was part of the audience jumped on the stage and tackled Dave. Police discovered Lee had a replica handgun that had a knife blade. The motive remains unclear. Lee was arrested and taken to a hospital for medical treatment. His bail is $30,000.
Dave continued the show after. CNN also reports his spokesperson said Jamie Foxx and Chris Rock helped calm the crowd with humor before Chappelle got back on stage.
A representative for Dave released a statement Wednesday (May 4). “As unfortunate and unsettling as the incident was, Chappelle went on with the show.” Dave is also “fully cooperating” with the police investigation of the incident. A Netflix spokesperson told CNN, “We care deeply about the safety of creators, and we strongly defend the right of stand-up comedians to perform on stage without fear of violence.”
Chris Rock was at the show and took the states after the attack. He attempted to lighten the mood and joked, “was that Will Smith?” Referencing when Will slapped Chris at this year’s Oscars.
Jamie Fox also said on the mic, “We’ve got to make sure we protect him [Dave] at all times. For every comedian who comes out here, this means everything. You’re a genius. You’re a legend, I enjoyed myself thoroughly, and we’re not going to let [anything] happen to you.”
At some point, Lee was beaten up. Take a look at what social media is saying:
https://twitter.com/mymixtapez/status/1521902251136196612?s=21&t=_h7cJrN993F7ewcQLw2qLQ
Someone attacked Dave Chappelle at his show and his security team left that man looking like Mojo JoJo. pic.twitter.com/pna2642x7G
— NUFF (@nuffsaidny) May 4, 2022
This how they did the dude that attacked Dave Chappelle pic.twitter.com/X50xloUi5I
— Bruno Sardine (@J_Squit) May 4, 2022
Dis how Dave Chappelle and his security was whooping buddy: pic.twitter.com/9kM7hy5SoS
— Mark🃏 (@iBeen__Fly) May 4, 2022
Nigga came to see Dave Chappelle and almost met Charlie Murphy the same night
— DDOT. (@DDotOmen) May 4, 2022