Attacker-chappelle shows not for Netflix
LOS ANGELES — Dave Chappelle’s recent comedy shows at the Hollywood Bowl that made headlines will not be available to stream on Netflix, according to press materials from the streaming giant.
In late April and early May, Chappelle performed four soldout shows at the famed venue as part of the Netflix Is a Joke comedy festival. During his final Hollywood Bowl performance on May 3, the comedian was tackled onstage by a man carrying a bag that held a replica handgun with a knife attached.
After the attack, 23-year-old Isaiah Lee was arrested and faces misdemeanor charges. Chappelle, who was not injured during the incident, promptly carried on with the show while his security team dealt with his attacker.
Chappelle lives just outside Yellow Springs, in Greene County, Ohio.
None of Chappelle’s Hollywood Bowl performances were filmed for Netflix, which is releasing several tapings of its comedy festival shows as TV specials in coming weeks. Among the entertainers whose sets will be viewable on the streamer are Bill Burr, David Letterman, Amy Schumer, Pete Davidson, Jane Fonda, Lily Tomlin and Snoop Dogg.
According to the Hollywood
Reporter, Chappelle’s Hollywood Bowl sets were professionally shot by the comic’s personal team — not by Netflix. It’s unclear if Chappelle has any plans to release the footage. Per usual, cellphones were not allowed at Chappelle’s shows.
The last Chappelle special released by Netflix, “The Closer,” ignited a massive backlash both inside and outside the company. A number of LGBTQ Netflix employees and allies staged a walkout last fall in rebuke of the program, which included anti-transgender material. Chappelle has since doubled down on such rhetoric, and Netflix has refused to cut ties with the performer.
A sampling of highlights from the Netflix Is a Joke festival are now available on the streamer’s Youtube channel. Below is the full release schedule for Netflix’s forthcoming comedy festival content:
■ May 19: “The Hall: Honoring the Greats of Stand-up”
■ June 6: “Bill Burr Presents: Friends Who Kill”
■ June 7 and 12: “That’s My Time With David Letterman”
■ June 9: “Stand Out: An LGBTQ+ Celebration”
■ June 10: “A Tribute to Bob Saget”
■ June 11: “Amy Schumer’s Parental Advisory”
■ June 13: “Pete Davidson Presents: The Best Friends”
■ June 14: “Jane Fonda & Lily Tomlin: Ladies Night Live”
■ June 16: “Snoop Dogg’s … Around Comedy Special”
■ June 23: “Best of the Festival”