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Madonna calls attack on Dave Chappelle 'disturbing' after attending show

Madonna is the latest star to speak out about the attack

May 5, 2022 10:11am

Updated: May 5, 2022 11:05am

Madonna called the violent attack on Dave Chappelle "disturbing" after attending his stand-up show at the Hollywood Bowl on Tuesday night.

The "Material Girl" singer posted a selfie on Instagram Wednesday of her looking into the camera while her teeth held a "Team Chappelle" badge in her mouth. In another photo, she gave a closer look at the "All Access" pass.

"Last night was strange.......... and disturbing for many reasons! The world is upside down. 🙏🏼. #davechappelle," Madonna wrote alongside the post.

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The "Vogue" singer, 63, was one of many celebrities in the audience when suspect Isaiah Lee, 23, stormed the stage and tackled Chapelle, 48, during her performance at the "Netflix Is a Joke" festival.

The Los Angeles Police Department said the assailant had a "replica handgun" with a knife inside when he attacked the comedian. Videos captured by audience members showed security immediately tackling the suspect, who was then taken away on a stretcher.

The LAPD confirmed that Lee was booked and charged with felony assault with a deadly weapon.

Several fans recorded Chappelle continuing his set after the attack as he joked about how he "stomped a n-a backstage" and that it must have been a "trans-man" who knocked him down, the latter of which sparked a huge backlash on social media.

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However, the "Chappelle's Show" star was adamant that he didn't want the shocking attack to "overshadow the magic of this historic moment," his publicist, Carla Sims, said in a statement to The Hollywood Reporter on Wednesday.

"Dave Chappelle celebrated four nights of comedy and music, breaking sales records for a comedian at the Hollywood Bowl," she said.

Madonna is the latest star to speak out about the attack. Howard Stern previously went on a rant about how Hollywood is "screwed" for allowing Will Smith back in his seat after slapping Chris Rock at the Oscars in March.