Isaiah Lee, who tackled the 48-year-old comedian to the ground while he performed as part of the 'Netflix Is A Joke' festival, has been charged with attempted murder in regards to an unrelated incident.
- May 20, 2022
AceShowbiz - Dave Chappelle's alleged attacker has been charged with attempted murder. Isaiah Lee, who was held in custody by LAPD officers after he appeared to tackled the 48-year-old comedian to the ground while he performed as part of the "Netflix Is A Joke" festival, 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. The 23-year-old's victim reported the incident to police, identifying him as the perpetrator shortly after the incident with Chappelle.
Los Angeles County District Attorney George Gascon 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."
Lee has reportedly entered pleaded not guilty and will appear in court on at the beginning of June 2022. His attempted murder charge came just weeks after the Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office confirmed that he has been charged with battery, possession of a weapon with intent to assault, unauthorized 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."
Chappelle 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," the representative went on to add.
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 he was treated for injuries before being charged and booked.
