(FreedomBeacon.com)- On Friday, the man who jumped on stage and attacked comedian Dave Chappelle at the Hollywood Bowl pleaded not guilty to four misdemeanor charges, after the Los Angeles District Attorney’s Office decided not to pursue felony charges in the case.
Just as Chappelle had finished his act and was exiting the stage, Isaiah Lee, 23, leaped on stage and tackled the comedian to the ground. Lee was arrested and taken to the hospital to receive treatment. Police found a replica handgun with a knife blade on the suspect when he was taken into custody.
The motive for Lee’s attack remains unclear.
During Friday’s arraignment, Lee was charged with four misdemeanors including battery and possession of a weapon. His bail was set at $30,000 and in the event he posts bail, Judge Wendy Segall ordered Lee to stay at least 100 yards away from Chappelle and have no contact with him, including at venues or the comedian’s residence.
Lee’s attorney, Chelsea Padilla told the judge that her client is receiving mental health services from a local nonprofit.
Earlier last week, the LA District Attorney’s Office announced that it would not pursue felony charges against Lee. Spokesman Greg Risling said while prosecutors determined criminal conduct occurred, based on the evidence, the crime “did not constitute felony conduct.”
The Los Angeles Philharmonic Association, the owners of the Hollywood Bowl, said it would be reviewing its existing security procedures and has added additional security measures as well, including increasing security personnel on-site.
In a statement on Wednesday, Carla Sims, a representative for Chappelle, said the comedian is cooperating fully with the investigation of the incident. Sims noted that even after the “unfortunate and unsettling” incident, the show continued. Comedians Jamie Foxx and Chris Rock helped to calm the crowd before Dave Chappelle returned to introduce the featured musical guests.
Chappelle was appearing at the Bowl as part of “Netflix is a Joke: The Festival.”
Isaiah Lee’s bail will be reviewed at a May 10 hearing. The pretrial hearing is set for May 20.
