Dave Chapelle’s Hollywood Bowl Attacker Charged With Attempted Murder for December Stabbing
Dave Chappelle's attacker has been charged with attempted murder for allegedly stabbing his roommate in December.
The District Attorney's Office said Thursday that Isaiah Lee stabbed his roommate while at a transitional housing facility but pleaded not guilty to the felony charge.
District Attorney George Gascón said in a written statement that the publicity generated by the attack on Chappelle helped the authorities solve the crime, CBS News reported.
Gascón noted that the attack on Chappelle at the Hollywood Bowl "was misdemeanor conduct and rightfully referred to the City Attorney's Office."
Lee is currently facing a series of misdemeanor counts that stemmed from the attack on Chappelle. He was charged on May 5. He is due to be back in court on June 2.
Lee's charges included battery, possession of a weapon with intent to assault, unauthorized access to the stage area, and commission of an act that delays an event or interferes with a performer.
Lee's public defender argued that he should be released as the charges against him were misdemeanors. Dave Chapelle's attacker was ordered to remain in jail. His bail remains set at $30,000.
Dave Chappelle Hollywood Bowl Attack
The Los Angeles Police Department said Isaiah Lee was in the audience, jumped onstage, and attacked Dave Chappelle as the comedian was about to leave.
NBC News reported that Chappelle was performing during the fourth night of the "Dave Chappelle and Friends" show, which was part of the Netflix Is A Joke Festival.
Security guards at the scene intervened and pulled the suspect off the comedian before detaining Lee. Police said the suspect sustained superficial injuries during the altercation and was taken to a hospital.
A Netflix spokesperson condemned the attack and said they care deeply about the safety of creators. The spokesperson added that they strongly defend the right of stand-up comedians "to perform on stage without fear of violence."
Chappelle's spokesperson released a statement saying that the comedian's performance at the Hollywood Bowl was "epic and record-breaking," adding that Chappelle's refused to allow last night's incident to overshadow the performances.
Chappelle later continued the show, joking about the altercation. He remarked that the attacker "was a trans man." The gender identity of the attacker was not immediately known when it was reported.
Dave Chappelle Attacker
Police said the weapon they say was taken from the suspect was a replica handgun, which also included a knife blade, according to CNN Entertainment.
LAPD spokesperson Officer Lizeth noted that Dave Chappelle had just finished his act when Isaiah Lee jumped on the stage and tackled the comedian to the ground.
Court records showed that the Los Angeles County District Attorney decided not to move forward with felony charges as Lee was not brandishing the knife that looked like a gun, ABC News reported.
During the arraignment hearing on May 6, a judge ordered Lee to stay away at least 100 yards from Chappelle if he posted bail. He was also ordered to have no contact with the comedian's residence or any venue where he would be performing.
This article is owned by Latin Post.
Written by: Mary Webber
WATCH: Dave Chappelle Attack Investigation - from ABC News
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