OPINION | This article contains opinion. This site is licensed to publish this content.
A man reportedly jumped on stage and attacked comedian Dave Chappelle during a show in Los Angeles. Chappelle was tackled before security intervened against the alleged attacker.
Brianna Sacks, an investigative reporter for BuzzFeed, said she “just came out of the Hollywood Bowl where a man charged and tackled Dave Chapelle on stage and got his ass kicked by at least 10 people.”
“LAPD and LAFD are now loading him into an ambulance,” Sacks added. Take a look:
Just came out of the Hollywood Bowl where a man charged and tackled Dave Chapelle on stage and got his ass kicked by at least 10 people.
LAPD and LAFD are now loading him into an ambulance pic.twitter.com/7SXPe9e8az
— Brianna Sacks (@bri_sacks) May 4, 2022
The attack reportedly occurred as Chappelle was nearing the end of his show.
Actor Jamie Foxx and rapper Busta Rhymes also reportedly jumped in to help rescue him. Chappelle thanked them both.
“Whenever you’re in trouble Jamie Foxx will show up in a sheriff’s hat,” Chappelle joked.
Comedian Chris Rock, who performed earlier that same night, then appeared on stage and said “Was that Will Smith?”
The crowd erupted in laughter as Rock referred to Will Smith’s attack during the Oscars.
LAPD confirm to KABC they responded to an incident at the Hollywood Bowl around 10:45 p.m., and a man who was reportedly armed with a gun and a knife was taken into custody. #netflixisajokefest #DaveChappelle
— Stephanie Wash (@WashNews) May 4, 2022
“Dave Chapelle was rushed & attacked on stage by a man at the Hollywood Bowl. Chapelle tussled w/ the man, who ran behind the screen on stage & was surrounded by security,” Stephanie Wash wrote about the incident.
“Chris Rock, who performed earlier, came on stage w/ him & joked: ‘Was that Will Smith?'”
Actor Will Smith notoriously slapped Rock at the Academy Awards after the comedian cracked a joke about Jada Pinkett Smith’s bald head, referring to the 1997 film “G.I. Jane.”
Smith has resigned from the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences after slapping Chris Rock during the Oscar’s on Sunday.
Smith announced his resignation in a statement on Friday, and states that he has “betrayed the trust of the Academy.”
“I have directly responded to the Academy’s disciplinary hearing notice, and I will fully accept any and all consequences for my conduct. My actions at the 94th Academy Awards presentation were shocking, painful, and inexcusable.”
“The list of those I have hurt is long and includes Chris, his family, many of my dear friends and loved ones, all those in attendance, and global audiences at home. I betrayed the trust of the Academy,” Smith said. “I deprived other nominees and winners of their opportunity to celebrate and be celebrated for their extraordinary work. I am heartbroken.”
“I want to put the focus back on those who deserve attention for their achievements and allow the Academy to get back to the incredible work it does to support creativity and artistry in film. So, I am resigning from membership in the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, and will accept any further consequences the Board deems appropriate.”
“Change takes time and I am committed to doing the work to ensure that I never again allow violence to overtake reason,” Smith added.
