The individual who assaulted comedian Dave Chappelle during a Los Angeles comedy show disclosed that the comedian’s jokes about the LGBTQ community and homelessness triggered him and urged Chappelle to be more mindful.
Isaiah Lee, 23, faced four misdemeanor charges following the May 3 incident – battery, possession of a weapon with intent to assault, unauthorized access to the stage area during a performance, and commission of an act that delays the event or interferes with the performer.
He rushed onto the stage in Los Angeles and attempted to attack Chappelle while carrying a folding knife attached to a fake replica firearm.
The comedian managed to evade Lee and was unharmed. Lee was apprehended at the scene and taken to the hospital with a broken arm.
In an interview with The New York Post on Sunday, Lee stated that he did not find Chappelle’s humor amusing.
‘I identify as bisexual, and I wanted him to know that what he said was triggering,’ Lee expressed while at the Twin Towers Correctional Facility in Los Angeles.
‘I wished for him to consider being more considerate and running his material by those it could impact before performing.’
He mentioned being eager to witness Chappelle’s live show, recorded for Netflix, but progressively grew angry at the content.
Having experienced homelessness previously, he stated that the jokes stirred up emotional and upset feelings within him.
‘I am also a single dad, and my son is five,’ Lee shared with the paper.
‘It’s a struggle, and I desired for Dave Chappelle to acknowledge that it’s no laughing matter.’
Lee explained that his breaking point came when another comedian in the show made a joke about pedophilia, which he said evoked memories of being molested at 17 years old.
Responding to reports about his mental health issues, Lee disputed their accuracy. Despite this, his legal representative confirmed that he is receiving mental health services.
Additionally, Lee now faces charges of attempted murder due to authorities in Los Angeles linking him to another crime following the confrontation. He was accused of stabbing his roommate at a ‘transitional housing program’ in December, typically meant for homeless individuals.
Los Angeles District Attorney George Gascon credited the attention drawn to Lee’s attack on Chappelle for helping to identify the alleged attacker.
‘The attention generated by the Chappelle attack aided the police in solving this case,’ Gascon noted in a statement.
‘The incident at the Hollywood Bowl constituted misdemeanor behavior and was rightfully referred to the City Attorney’s Office. Given the nature and severity of the December attack, Mr. Lee now faces felony charges, which my office will prosecute.’
Lee entered a plea of not guilty to the stabbing charge and is scheduled to appear in court on June 2.