The man who assaulted Dave Chappelle on stage at a comedy show in Los Angeles earlier this month said he was “triggered” by the comedian’s jokes about gays and homelessness and told Chappelle to be more sensitive.
Isaiah Lee, 23, was charged with four misdemeanors after the May 3 attack — assault, possession of a weapon with intent to attack, gaining unauthorized access to the stage area during a performance, and committing an act that delays the event or disturbs the performer.
He stormed the stage in Los Angeles and attempted to attack Chappelle while carrying a jackknife attached to a fake firearm in front of a high-profile crowd that included the likes of Elon Musk.
The comedian was able to dodge Lee and was unharmed. Lee was arrested at the scene and taken to the hospital with a broken arm.
Lee told the New York Post on Sunday that he wasn’t amused by Chappelle’s quick wit.
“I identify as bisexual and I wanted him to know what he calls a trigger,” Lee said Saturday at Twin Towers Correctional Facility in Los Angeles.
“I wanted him to know that next time, he should first consider letting his material run by people who might be affected.”
He said he was excited to see Chappelle’s show being taped live for Netflix but had become increasingly angry at the content.
He had previously been homeless and said the jokes made him emotional and upset.
Isaiah Lee, 23, is seen in court in Los Angeles following his attack on Dave Chappelle
Lee had previously allegedly jumped onto the stage and attempted to attack Dave Chappelle, who was able to dodge his attacker and avoid injury. Lee had a knife and a replica gun with him
Lee, 23, said Saturday that he attacked Chappelle because he found his comedy “triggering.”
“I’m also a single father and my son is five,” Lee told the newspaper.
“It’s a fight and I wanted Dave Chappelle to know it wasn’t a joke.”
He said his breaking point came when another comedian in the show’s cast made a joke about pedophilia, which Lee said brought back memories of being molested when he was 17.
When asked about reports that he suffered from mental health issues, Lee said they were “false” and “inaccurate.”
However, his attorney has said he is receiving psychiatric services.
Lee is now also facing charges of attempted murder after the confrontation led to Los Angeles officials discovering he was the suspect of another crime.
He was accused of stabbing his roommate in December at a “transitional housing scheme” generally reserved for the homeless.
Los Angeles District Attorney George Gascon credits the publicity surrounding Lee’s attack on Chappelle with helping the victim identify his alleged attacker.
“The publicity generated by the attack on Mr Chappelle helped police solve this crime,” Gascon said in a statement.
“The incident that occurred at the Hollywood Bowl was a misdemeanor and was properly referred to the prosecutor.
“Due to the nature and seriousness of the attack in December, Mr. Lee now faces a felony charge, which my office will prosecute.”
Lee pleaded not guilty to the stabbing. He is scheduled to return to court on June 2.
Lee has been charged with attempted murder for allegedly stabbing his roommate to death in December
Lee suffered a broken arm after security forces arrested him and removed him from the stage
Lee had initially pleaded not guilty to four counts of misdemeanor in his arraignment related to the attack on Chappelle, during which the Los Angeles Attorney’s Office declined to press charges of felony.
If convicted, he faces only 18 months in prison.
Lee’s attorney said the man never drew his concealed gun as he stormed the stage.
Chappelle has yet to publicly respond to the decision, but during a comedy show, the comedian revealed he spoke to the attacker.
The 23-year-old was taken into custody at the event and then taken to the hospital. He’s in prison now
This is the weapon Lee had when he tried to attack Chappelle on stage
Los Angeles District Attorney George Gascon (pictured) has failed to file felony charges against Lee, who now faces only misdemeanor charges of assaulting Chappelle
Chappelle said he asked police if he could speak to Lee.
“I had to talk to him,” Chappelle told his audience in the secret 70-chair room, the Belly Room, at the Comedy Store in Los Angeles, according to .
Chappelle said the attack was due to Lee’s Brooklyn grandmother being evicted from her neighborhood for gentrification, and the stunt was intended to draw attention to the issue.
He joked about the situation alongside fellow comedian Chris Rock, who was punched by Will Smith during the Oscars, saying: “At least you got punched by someone with respect! I was hit by a homeless man with leaves in his hair.’
Gascon’s office – which is known for being pro-little or no-cash bonds – chose not to pursue the most serious hidden-arms penalty.
Instead, they referred the case to LA City Attorney Mike Feuer and recommended a misdemeanor charge because “the evidence presented does not establish criminal conduct,” according to ABC.
In announcing the indictments, Los Angeles District Attorney Mike Feuer appeared to offer a veiled criticism of the prosecution, saying, “My office takes protecting the public safety extremely seriously.”