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Google PlayMoments after his mid-set attack, Dave Chappelle gave a quick shout-out to his A-list friends who rushed to his aid.
TMZ obtained a recording of the aftermath of Tuesday night’s incident, where Chappelle thanked Jamie Foxx, Busta Rhymes, and Jon Stewart for helping rough up the man who tackled him near the end of his stand-up performance.
“I watched him get kicked around, and I couldn’t believe it was my friends ’cause it’s so good what they do,” the 48-year-old comedian told the crowd. “I felt good my friends broke his arm. I felt good, how bad does a n***a have to be that Jon Stewart would stomp him! […] I’m very proud of them. Killing that n***a would have been stupid. Those are very powerful friends and I’m sharing [tonight] with people I love very much.”
The comments led many fans to believe that Foxx, Busta, and Jon were among the group who apprehended the attacker and seemingly beat up on stage. However, Chappelle’s spokesperson Carla Sims told TMZ that her client was simply joking when he mentioned the three celebrities, insisting none of them were involved in the altercation.
The attack took place during Chappelle’s performance at the Netflix Is a Joke comedy festival in Los Angeles. Video captured by audience members showed an individual storming the stage and tackling Chappelle in the middle of the gig. Security immediately got ahold of the man, as several others tended to the comedian, who ultimately walked away unharmed. However, the suspect—identified as 23-year-old Isaiah Lee—didn’t leave the venue unscathed.
Video taken outside the Hollywood Bowl showed the alleged attacker on a stretcher with an apparent broken arm, as well as bruises and blood covering his face. Lee was transported to the hospital and subsequently booked for assault. Authorities say the man was armed with a fake gun that could eject a knife blade. Investigators have not confirmed Lee’s motive.
According to TMZ, the LA County District Attorney’s office has declined to charge the suspect with a felony. His case has reportedly been sent to the city attorney, who is considering a misdemeanor charge.
