Social media exploded overnight on May 3 with reports that comedian Dave Chappelle was attacked at his Hollywood Bowl Show, which was a part of the Netflix Is a Joke Festival, according to Deadline.
Apparently, Chappelle was rushed and tackled by someone while onstage. Attendees' phones were confiscated at the gate, so video and even photos are very sparse.
In one posted clip, seemingly after the incident, Chappelle is heard to say, "It was a trans man"a reference to his own transphobic comments in his Netflix special The Closer and the uproar, protests and anger that ensued.
In The Closer, the comedian called himself a member of "team TERF" (a term that stands for "trans exclusionary radical feminist") and shared an anecdote about beating up a lesbian, Variety noted. Chappelle's comments and Netflix CEO Ted Sarandos' initial defense of him came under fire with protests, including by staff at Netflix.
Another person caught Chappelle and Jamie Foxx on video. Foxx apparently rushed onstage to help apprehend the person going after Chappelle, Deadline added.
According to Variety, comedian Chris Rockwho had performed a set earlier in the eveningcame on stage with Chappelle just after the attack and asked, "Was that Will Smith?"
[UPDATE: A 23-year-old suspect, Isaiah Lee, was arrested on suspicion of assault with a deadly weapon, per The Hollywood Reporter. He's currently being held on $30,000 bail.
NBC News Los Angeles reported the man was armed with a replica gun "that can eject a knife blade" when discharged correctly. It wasn't immediately clear if he tried to use the weapon. Police said Chappelle was not injured in the incident.]
[ADDITIONAL UPDATE: The Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office will not pursue felony charges against Lee, Deadline reported. Lee has been charged with single misdemeanor counts of 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 an event or interferes with a performer. If he manages to post bail and is released, he was ordered to remain at least 100 yards away from Chappelle and the Hollywood Bowl. Lee is due back in court May 20.]