Dave Chappelle
Isaiah Lee, the man accused of leaping on stage at the Hollywood Bowl and attacking comedian Dave Chappelle, pleaded not guilty to four misdemeanour charges in court Friday.
Wearing a blue jail uniform, with his right arm in a sling, Lee stood before a judge in Los Angeles to answer to four counts, including battery and possession of a weapon. Chelsea Padilla, Lee’s lawyer, told the judge he is receiving mental health services from a local nonprofit organisation.
Judge Wendy Segall ordered Lee to stay away at least 100 yards away from, and have no contact with, Chappelle, including the comedian’s residence, or any venue at which he is performing, including the Hollywood Bowl.
Lee’s bail remains set at $30,000, which will be reviewed at a hearing on May 10. A pretrial hearing in the case is scheduled for May 20.
Earlier in the week, the Los Angeles District Attorney’s (DA) Office decided not to pursue felony charges in the case.
DA spokesperson, Greg Risling, said in a statement to CNN: “After reviewing the evidence, prosecutors determined that while criminal conduct occurred, the evidence as presented did not constitute felony conduct.”
The Los Angeles Philharmonic Association, which owns the Hollywood Bowl, said on Thursday, it is adding “additional security measures” and reviewing existing procedures, according to a statement from Public Relations Director, Sophie Jefferies.
“We are reviewing our existing procedures, both internally and with the assistance of outside experts, so we can continue to provide a safe and secure environment at the Hollywood Bowl,” Jefferies said. “We have implemented additional security measures, including an increased number of security personnel on-site to assist with bag checks and other security procedures.
The venue is continuing to cooperate with authorities in their ongoing investigation,” she said.
-CNN