Dave Chappelle’s attack a catalyst of Will Smith smacking Chris Rock at 2022 Oscars, comedy club owners claim
After Dave Chappelle was attacked during his gig at the "Netflix Is A Joke" Festival Tuesday evening, local comedy club owners are telling the comic community not only do they "stand by" Chappelle, but they are also urging everyone to "protect our comics!" And from coast-to-coast, small business owners are sharing that they have had to rethink security measures at their venues due to recent events involving comedians. On Tuesday night, Isaiah Lee, 23, was carrying a replica gun fitted with a folding knife blade when he attacked Chappelle during his performance at the "Netflix Is A Joke: The Festival" comedy tour at the famed Hollywood Bowl, police say. Lee is being held on $30,000 bail. After being tackled, Chappelle doubled down on a joke that the attacker "was a Trans man" – a reference to his recent schism with the community after many called Chappelle transphobic for his jokes during his latest Netflix stand-up special, "The Closer." Chris Rock also appeared on the stage after Chappelle was attacked and joked, "Was that Will Smith?" Following the aftermath, Fox News Digital spoke with the Laugh Factory club’s owner, Jamie Masada, who said he believes Smith’s actions at the 94th Academy Awards towards Chris Rock all but opened the door for showgoers to at least attempt to make a statement by attacking whichever performer is on stage at the moment.