The man accused of assaulting comedian Dave Chapelle is opening up about what drove him to rush the stage during a comedy show earlier this month.
Isaiah Lee, the suspect in the incident, told the New York Post in an interview, “I identify as bisexual … and I wanted [Chapelle] to know what he said was triggering.”
Lee continued, “I wanted him to know that next time, he should consider first running his material by people it could affect.”
He also told the Post that he wanted to have a “good time” at the comedian’s “Netflix is a Joke” show.
However, he explained that he was frustrated by Chappelle joking about his previous controversies involving the LGBT community.
“I’m also a single dad and my son is 5,” Lee told the Post. “It’s a struggle and I wanted Dave Chappelle to know it’s not a joke.
Additionally, the Post reports, “He said his breaking point came when another comedian in the show’s lineup made a crude joke about pedophilia — which Lee said dredged up memories of his own molestation as a teen.”
“Lee admitted that he was carrying a replica handgun with a retractable knife inside on the night of the alleged attack — but claimed he didn’t have the weapon out when he charged the stage,” it added.
Lee is facing four misdemeanor charges stemming from the incident.
He also told the Post that Chappelle asked him backstage about his motives after the incident.
“I told him my mother and grandmother, who fought for his civil rights to be able to speak, would be upset at the things he said,” Lee said.
He claimed the comedian responded, “Now your story will die with you, son.”
Earlier this month, Lee ran up on stage and attacked Chapelle, as IJR reported.
ABC News’ Stephanie Wash tweeted, “Dave Chapelle was rushed [and] attacked on stage by a man at the Hollywood Bowl. Chapelle tussled w/ the man, who ran behind the screen on stage and was surrounded by security.”
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. Chris Rock, who performed earlier, came on stage w/ him & joked: “Was that Will Smith?” #netflixisajokefest
— Stephanie Maurice (@WashNews) May 4, 2022
She added, “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.”