Netflix and a representative for comedian Dave Chappelle have released statements following him being attacked on stage during his recent show.
The shocking moment left fans stunned when an attendee rushed the stage and tackled Chappelle during Tuesday’s performance at the Hollywood Bowl. The famed comedian was headlining the Netflix Is a Joke comedy festival when the suspect ran on stage with a replica gun with a knife attached to it. Security staff and friends, including Jamie Foxx, rushed to Chappelle’s defense. The attacker was identified as 23-year-old Isaiah Lee, and after a well-earned beat down, he was eventually arrested and charged with assault with a deadly weapon.
Netflix is defending Chappelle after the frightening incident, stating that they “strongly defend the right of stand-up comedians to perform on stage without fear of violence.” In recent months, the streamer has stood by Chappelle in less violent attacks as the comedian faced immense backlash for his LGBTQ+ jokes made in his stand-up special, “The Closer.”
A representative for the 48-year-old shared that he refused to let the incident “overshadow the magic of this historic moment.” Chappelle’s four-night stand-up event at the Hollywood Bowl brought in record-breaking sales at the venue. His sold-out dates now tie with Monty Python for the most headlined shows by any comedian at the Hollywood Bowl.
Chappelle was not injured in the attack.
