Judge refuses to reduce bail of man accused of attacking Dave Chappelle
The man accused of attacking comedian Dave Chappelle as he performed at the Hollywood bowl a week ago was denied a bail reduction Tuesday.
Isaiah Lee, 23, was in court Tuesday to request a release on his own recognizance. But Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Armenui Amy Ashvanian denied the request, noting Lee had been able to get past security guards to "get on the stage" at the Hollywood Bowl.
Lee was charged on May 5 on a misdemeanor count each 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.
His public defender argued that Lee should be released because the charges against him are misdemeanors.
Prosecutor Gisselle Fernandez disagreed, claiming the 23-year-old is a risk to public safety and that he had a weapon on him during the incident.
He was ordered to remain in jail in lieu of $30,000 bail.
He was arrested following the May 3 attack on Chappelle during his 10:45 p.m. performance at the Bowl, which was part of the Netflix Is A Joke Festival. Video shows Lee tackling Chappelle, prompting security staff and the comedian's crew to rush on stage. Following his arrest, police say they found a replica handgun fitted with a retractable blade in Lee's possession.
During his arrest, Lee suffered a broken arm, which was in a sling during his court appearance on Tuesday.
Police originally presented the case to the LA County District Attorney's Office. DA George Gascón declined to file felony charges, saying that according to California law, the attack did not amount to a felony, which is why the case was referred to the LA City Attorney's Office.
"Mr. Chappelle's case was reviewed by one of our deputies in our filing team and she made the right decision when she determined that the conduct in this particular case was misdemeanor conduct," Gascón has said.
Gascón also said that he's working to convene a roundtable with concert venue operators, security companies and law enforcement to prevent tragedies at live shows, like the stabbing death of a rapper at Banc of California Stadium in December.
