Dave Chappelle attack suspect charged with attempted murder over 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 on 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 LA 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 on 3 May after allegedly rushing the stage and tackling Chappelle during his standup set at the Hollywood Bowl.
Lee 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. He later described how he convinced security to allow him to speak to Lee, asking him what prompted the attack. Chappelle said that Lee told him a story about his grandmother from Brooklyn who had been forced out of her neighborhood by gentrification. He believed that the attack would draw attention to that.
Lee pleaded not guilty to misdemeanor 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.