Dave Chappelle refuses to allow ‘unsettling’ Hollywood Bowl attack overshadow ‘historic’ comedy run | Ents & Arts News

Dave Chappelle refuses to allow the “unsettling” attack on him overshadow the success of a record-breaking comedy run, his spokesperson has said.

The US star was knocked over while on stage in LA on Tuesday and a man has been charged with assault with a deadly weapon.

Chappelle was unhurt and laughed off the incident but the attack made headlines in the showbiz world.

His spokesperson said the star wanted to focus on the success of his four outdoor shows at one of America’s most famous live venues.

“This run ties Chappelle with Monty Python for the most headlined shows by any comedian at the Hollywood Bowl, reaching 70k fans of diverse backgrounds during the first Netflix Is A Joke: The Festival, and he refuses to allow last night’s incident to overshadow the magic of this historic moment,” said Carla Sims.

“As unfortunate and unsettling as the incident was, Chappelle went on with the show,” she told US entertainment sites.

Video from the performance showed a man running on stage and lunging at Chappelle before being chased by security. He was later pictured with a badly injured arm being put in an ambulance.

LA police said Isaiah Lee, 23, had been charged and was carrying a replica gun that could eject a knife blade.

His brother told Rolling Stone he had struggled with mental health problems and homelessness.

Aaron Lee told the publication he used to stay at a shelter that helps transgender people and that “could have definitely been a factor” but he was a kind person who doesn’t “lash out”.

Chappelle has been criticised by some for his jokes about the trans community and there was a backlash last year against his Netflix special.

The controversy saw some Netflix staff walk out in protest but the streaming giant stood by Chappelle and refused to take down the programme.