Isaiah Lee has denied the charge which relates to an alleged stabbing in December 2021
Dave Chappelle’s alleged attacker has been charged with attempted murder in relation to an unrelated incident, but police have said the incident involving the comedian “helped police solve this crime”.
Chapelle, 48, was tackled to the ground as he performed as part of the Netflix Is A Joke festival in Los Angeles earlier this month.
LAPD officers later confirmed that Isaiah Lee was in custody over the incident.
The 23-year-old has since been charged with attempted murder in relation to a stabbing in December 2021.
A man ran on stage and tackled Dave Chapelle at the Hollywood Bowl. He then proceeded to say “it was a trans man.” pic.twitter.com/iBJg4408HL
— Pop Base (@PopBase) May 4, 2022
Prosecutors alleged that Lee stabbed his roommate during a fight at a transitional housing apartment.
The alleged victim is said to have reported the incident to police, identifying Lee as his attacker shortly after the incident with Chapelle, Metro reported.
Los Angeles County District Attorney George Gascón said in a statement: ‘The publicity generated by the attack on Mr Chappelle helped police solve this crime.
‘The incident that occurred at the Hollywood Bowl was misdemeanor conduct and rightfully referred to the City Attorney’s Office. Based on the nature and severity of the December attack, Mr Lee is now facing felony charges which my office will prosecute.”
The DA noted that the alleged victim recognised Lee from the coverage of Chappelle’s attack, with that information used to track him down.
Lee is said to have pleaded not guilty to attempted murder and is due to appear in court next month.
The attempted murder charge comes weeks after the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office confirmed Lee had been charged with battery, possession of a weapon with intent to assault, unauthorised access to the stage area during a performance, and commission of an act that delays an event or interferes with a performer following the incident during Chappelle’s show.
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