Man charged in Dave Chappelle attack also charged in roommate stabbing

Man charged in Dave Chappelle attack also charged in roommate stabbing

A man charged in an on-stage attack of comedian Dave Chappelle has now also been charged with the attempted murder of a roommate months earlier, authorities said Thursday.

Isaiah Lee, 23, has pleaded not guilty in the December stabbing that occurred during a fight at a Los Angeles transitional living facility, the Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office said.

The publicity that followed the Chappelle incident helped lead to Lee's identification and arrest in the previous attack, prosecutors said.

A message left with the county public defender's office seeking comment from an attorney for Lee was not immediately returned.

Lee was arrested May 3 after allegedly rushing the stage and tackling Chappelle during his stand-up set at the Hollywood Bowl.

He was carrying a replica handgun with a large blade that folded out of it, similar to a pocket knife, according to police, who released a photo of the weapon.

Chappelle was not hurt, and finished the show that was part of the Netflix Is a Joke comedy festival.

Lee pleaded not guilty to misdemeanour charges of battery, possessing a deadly weapon with intent to assault, and two counts related to interfering with a public event. He has remained jailed since the attack.

WATCH | Comedians discuss on-stage attacks of Chappelle, Chris Rock:

Comedians react to on-stage attacks

14 days ago
Duration 7:51
Comedians Godfrey and Simon King discuss the on-stage attacks against Chris Rock and Dave Chappelle, how the assaults were handled and their experiences with volatile audience members.