Dave Chappelle’s Los Angeles Attacker Pleads Not Guilty

The man who attacked comedian Dave Chappelle on stage earlier this week has pleaded not guilty.

Isaiah Lee appeared in court on Friday, where he pleaded not guilty to charges of battery, possession of a weapon with intent to assault, and unauthorized access to the stage area during a performance. His bail was set at $30,000, and his next hearing date was scheduled for May 20th. Additionally, the judge issued a no-contact order, stating that Lee was to stay 100 yards away from Chappelle.

Lee appeared in court wearing a sling on his arm due to the beatdown he received after attacking the comedian during his set at the Hollywood Bowl as part of the Netflix Is A Joke Festival. After tackling Chappelle, Lee pointed a replica gun with a knife attached at the comedian. When he was arrested, police located the weapon on his person.

The 23-year-old was initially facing felony charges. However, the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office ultimately decided to present four misdemeanors against him.

As of now, no motive for the attack has been pinpointed, though Lee did record a rap song in 2020 titled “Dave Chappell.” In the songs, he raps a line that says, “Walkin’ straight into the bowl,” seemingly referring to the Hollywood Bowl.