LOS ANGELES (CN) — The man who rushed at comedian Dave Chappelle during a performance Tuesday at the Hollywood Bowl was hit with four misdemeanor charges Thursday.
Isaiah Lee, 23, was charged with battery, carrying a knife with intent to assault, unauthorized access to the stage during a performance and interfering with a performance.
"What should have been evening of laughter at the Hollywood Bowl this past Tuesday night was suddenly interrupted when suspect Isaiah Lee allegedly charged onto the stage and tackled comedian Dave Chappelle," Los Angeles City Attorney Mike Feuer said Thursday in a video statement. "This alleged attack has got to have consequences."
Lee was arrested shortly after the attack. He carried a replica gun that had a foldout knife blade in it, according to the LA Police Department. Chappelle wasn't hurt in the attack, which happened after he had just finished his act and was leaving the stage. Lee had to be taken to a hospital after his arrest for injuries he sustained when security personnel at the Hollywood Bowl grabbed him.
Lee's motives for attacking the comedian are so far unknown.
The LA District Attorney didn't bring felony charges against Lee and referred the case to the city attorney, who can bring misdemeanor charges, which are less severe and can send a convict to jail for no more than a year.
"After reviewing the evidence, prosecutors determined that while criminal conduct occurred, the evidence as presented did not constitute felony conduct," the DA's office said in a statement. "The District Attorney’s Office does not prosecute misdemeanor crimes within the city of Los Angeles."
Video footage on social media showed Lee rushing Chappelle and throwing the comedy to the ground. After the attack, comedian Chris Rock joined Chappelle on stage and asked "was that Will Smith?"
Smith slapped Chris Rock on live television during the Academy Awards in March, purportedly because the comedian made a joke at the expense of the actor's wife. Smith has been banned from attending the Oscars for the next 10 years.
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