Los Angeles Philharmonic to beef up security after Dave Chapel stage attack

The Los Angeles Philharmonic Association plans to beef up security after comedian Dave Chapel was attacked on stage at one of them, the Hollywood Bowl.

“The safety of our artists, visitors and employees is a priority for the LA Phil,” the organization said in a statement Thursday. “We will review our existing procedures with the help of internal and external experts to maintain a safe environment at the Hollywood Bowl. We have implemented additional security measures, including an increased number of on-site security personnel to assist with baggage screening and other security procedures. We will continue to cooperate with authorities in their ongoing investigation.”

On Tuesday, Chapel was attacked during a stand-up performance for Netflix’s Is a Joke Fest when a man climbed onto the stage and fell to the floor. Chapel completed his action and left the stage as the audience jumped onto the stage, confronted the comedian and pointed a copy of the pistol at Chapel. According to LAPD, the guard separated and arrested a member of Chapel’s audience. It is unknown if he attempted to use the weapon, but police confirmed that Chapel was not physically injured in the incident.

The suspect, who later turned out to be 23-year-old Isaiah Lee, was arrested on a count of deadly assault and is held on $30,000 bond. The City of Los Angeles Attorney’s Office filed charges against Lee on Wednesday after the prosecutor dropped a criminal charge.

Chapelle, who is working closely with police amid an active investigation, said Wednesday through her spokesperson that she “refused” to overshadow her Hollywood Bowl sets.

“Dave Chapel celebrated four nights of comedy and music, setting a Hollywood Bowl sales record for a comedian,” said Carla Sims, her spokeswoman. “This piece connects Chapel with Monty Python for the biggest comedy title of any Hollywood Bowl comedy, reaching 70,000 fans from various backgrounds for the first time. Netflix is ​​a joke: a festival, and it refuses to overshadow the magic of that historic moment in last night’s incident.

Participants captured the moment on social media, showing footage of a man being dragged away by a bodyguard and Chapel calming down shortly after the attack, saying, “It was a trans man.” (The stream is a reference to his current controversy over his material, which is called transphobic.)

Chapelle performed at Netflix’s 11-day stand-up comedy festival, featuring 130 comics in 25 Los Angeles theaters and the likes of Seth Rogen, Chelsea Handler, Aziz Ansar, Bill Bury and Conan O’Brien.

The Chapelle incident follows two recent Hollywood security breaches on stage involving high-profile talent. At the 2022 Oscars in March, Will Smith punched protagonist Chris Rock and was not removed from the scene after the attack (Rock chose not to be charged), sparking weeks of accusations and concerns about protecting the comic from the public. And at CinemaCon, Olivia Wilde was suddenly given custody of ex Jason Sudeikis during the screening of her upcoming film. Do not worry, dear.

Conff, of the theater’s owners, said he would take a closer look at security protocols following the Wilde incident, saying “there has never been an incident in the event’s history”, specifically the star accidentally entering the stage.

Tuesday night’s event was Chapel’s fourth night at the Hollywood Bowl, where he performed with a variety of comedians and musicians. It was also headlining the opening night on April 28. In this show, guests had to go through metal detectors and roadside security.

“We are deeply concerned about the safety of creators and we strongly advocate the right of stand-up comedians to take the stage without fear of violence,” Netflix said Wednesday.