Topline
Comedian Dave Chappelle was attacked on stage by a member of the audience while performing a stand-up special for Netflix at the Hollywood Bowl in Los Angeles on Tuesday night, an incident that comes just months after the comedian’s previous Netflix special was embroiled in controversy and accused of being transphobic.
Dave Chappelle was tackled on stage by the member of the audience while he was performing on stage … [+]
Key Facts
According to the Los Angeles Police Department, a male member of the audience at Chappelle’s show jumped on stage and tackled the comedian just as he was about to exit, NBC News reported.
Security staff at the venue intervened and detained the attacker.
A purported video of the incident shared on social media shows a person lunging at Chappelle’s torso while he was speaking on the microphone.
The suspect was hospitalized with minor injuries and was found to be in possession of a replica gun that ejects a built in knife.
Stand-up comedian Chris Rock—who also performed at the show—reportedly took to the stage and jokingly asked if the attacker was Will Smith, alluding to his infamous slap incident from this year’s Oscar ceremony.
Chappelle, who has been accused of transphobia, quipped after the incident that the attacker “was a trans man,” Sky News reports.
Crucial Quote
Actor and comedian Jamie Foxx who was also present at the event also intervened to help Chappelle. According to the Hollywood Reporter, Foxx was later called on stage where he said: “Listen, I just want to say, this man is an absolute genius. We’ve got to make sure we protect him at all times. For every comedian who comes out here, this means everything. You’re a genius. You’re a legend, I enjoyed myself thoroughly, and we’re not going to let nothing happen to you.”
Key Background
Chappelle’s performance on Tuesday was part of an 11-day comedy festival called Netflix Is A Joke Fest, organized by the streaming giant. The 48-year-old and Netflix have been the target of intense criticism over the past year for Chappelle’s last stand-up special “The Closer” in which he is accused of making several transphobic jokes. The controversy around Chappelle led to protests outside Netflix’s headquarters last year along with a walkout by the company’s employees.
Further Reading
Dave Chappelle Attacked on Stage at the Hollywood Bowl (The Hollywood Reporter)
Comedian Dave Chappelle Tackled Onstage During LA Festival Show (NBC Los Angeles)
Source: https://www.forbes.com/sites/siladityaray/2022/05/04/comedian-dave-chappelle-attacked-on-stage-during-netflix-stand-up-special-in-los-angeles/