Dave Chappelle’s alleged attacker has been charged with attempted murder.
The 48-year-old star appeared to be tackled to the ground as he performed as part of the ‘Netflix Is A Joke’ festival, with LAPD officers later confirming they were holding Isaiah Lee in custody and now the 23-year-old has been charged with attempted murder in regards to an unrelated incident.
Prosecutors alleged that Lee stabbed his roommate during a fight at a transitional housing apartment back in December 2021 and the victim reported the incident to police, identifying Lee as the perpetrator shortly after the incident with Dave.
Los Angeles County District Attorney George Gascón said in a statement obtained by Entertainment Tonight: “As a result of the publicity generated by Mr. Chappelle assisted police in solving this crime, the stabbing victim recognized Lee from the coverage of Chappelle’s attack, according to the District Attorney’s statement, and the police used that information to track him down.”
The alleged attacker has reportedly He entered pleaded not guilty and will appear in court on at the beginning of June 2022.
The attempted murder charge comes just weeks after the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office confirmed Isaiah Lee has been charged with battery, possession of a weapon with intent to assault, unauthorised access to the stage area
during a performance and commission of an act that delays an event or interferes with a performer following the incident during Chappelle’s show.
City Attorney Mike Feuer said: “This alleged attack has got to have consequences.”
Dave previously insisted he wouldn’t let the “unfortunate and unsettling” attack “overshadow” his history-making Hollywood Bowl show.
His spokesperson said: “This run ties Chappelle with ‘Monty Python’ for the most headlined shows by any comedian at the Hollywood Bowl, reaching 70k fans of diverse backgrounds during the first Netflix Is A Joke: The Festival, and he refuses to allow last night’s incident to overshadow the magic of this historic moment.
“As unfortunate and unsettling as the incident was, Chappelle went on with the show.” Footage shared online showed a man in a black hoodie rushing toward the stage and pushing the comic before being stopped by security guards and members of the star’s team as he attempted to flee.
The would-be attacker was removed from the venue on a stretcher and an LAPD spokesperson said Lee was treated for injuries before being charged and booked.
READ: Dave Chappelle ‘Attacked On Stage’ During Netflix Is A Joke Festival
