Entertainment
Dave Chappelle ‘Refuses’ to Let Attack Overshadow Comedy Set, Netflix Speaks Out on Incident
Netflix has issued a statement after Dave Chappelle was attacked on stage while performing a comedy set during the streaming giant’s Netflix Is a Joke festival in Los Angeles. The performance was taking place at the Hollywood Bowl. A spokesperson for the streamer said, “We care deeply about the safety of creators and we strongly defend the right of stand-up comedians to perform on stage without fear of violence.”
Video footage circulated during Chappelle’s comedy set showing a man rushing on to the stage and tackling the performer to the ground. Chappelle has been performing a number of dates at the Hollywood Bowl in the last month. The attacker was seen getting up and trying to run off stage before he was caught and tackled by what appeared to be security personnel and members of Chappelle’s team.
A spokesperson for Chappelle’s production company also issued a statement in the aftermath of the attack: “Dave Chappelle celebrated four nights of comedy and music, setting record-breaking sales for a comedian at the Hollywood Bowl. This run ties Chappelle with Monty Python for the most headlined shows by any comedian at the Hollywood Bowl, reaching 70k fans of diverse backgrounds during the first Netflix Is A Joke: The Festival, and he refuses to allow last night’s incident to overshadow the magic of this historic moment.”
“As unfortunate and unsettling as the incident was, Chappelle went on with the show,” the statement adds. “Jamie Foxx and Chris Rock helped calm the crowd with humor before Chappelle introduced the last and featured musical guests for the evening, hip-hop artists yasiin bey and Talib Kweli, a.k.a. Black Star, who performed music from their new album – the first in nearly 24 years – which was released on Luminary. Other special comedic guests last night included Earthquake, Leslie Jones, Jeff Ross, Sebastian, Jon Stewart and Michelle Wolf.”
Chappelle is fully cooperating with the active police investigation into this incident. Police arrested Isaiah Lee, 23, on suspicion of assault with a deadly weapon, according to NBC Los Angeles. He was allegedly carrying a replica gun that could discharge a knife blade and is suspected of tackling comedian Chappelle on stage Tuesday night. He’s being held on $30,000 bail.
Chappelle has been a controversial figure recently due to several Netflix comedy specials in which he made jokes about transgender people. His 2021 Netflix special “The Closer” led to company walkouts and protests last October. Netflix co-CEO Ted Sarandos originally defended Chappelle, saying in statement that the comedian is “one of the most popular stand-ups today” and “as with our other talent, we work hard to support their creative freedom — even though this means there will always be content on Netflix some people believe is harmful.” Sarandos ultimately said he “screwed up” in his reaction to the Chappelle backlash.
Chappelle’s attack took place just over a month after Will Smith took to the Oscars stage to slap presenter Chris Rock, who was in attendance at Chappelle’s Netflix show, reportedly came on stage after the attack and said, “Was that Will Smith?”
The Netflix Is a Joke comedy festival kicked off April 28 and runs through May 8.
Source: variety.com
Entertainment
Nana Jesse releases prayer song from Upper Room Experience concert
Kumasi-based gospel singer Nana Jesse, known in showbiz circles as Sylvester Gyasi, has released a prayer song from the Upper Room Experience Concert.
The song, titled ‘let your will be my will’, reflects Nana Jesse’s heartfelt surrender to God, expressing his dependency on divine guidance.
Through soul-stirring lyrics and a harmonious chorus, he and his accompanying musicians declared their submission to God’s will, reaffirming their trust in His direction.
Released on Friday, May 30, the song is already resonating with listeners, gaining more views on YouTube within days of its debut.
Fans have praised its uplifting message and the rich blend of voices that bring the prayer to life.
‘Let your will be my will’ was carefully arranged by Nana Jesse, Nana Kofi Junior, and Moses Boadu, ensuring a powerful and spiritually enriching experience for all.
With its heartfelt lyrics and inspiring melodies, it is set to bless many across different walks of life, offering a reminder of faith, surrender, and divine purpose.
The official song is available now on YouTube.
By Linda Abrefi Wadie
Entertainment
Miss Tourism Ghana 2024 thrills the world at Miss Orient Tourism Global
2024 Miss Tourism Ghana, Lawrencia Ama Yeboah, thrilled the world with breathtaking performances at the recently concluded Miss Orient Tourism Global pageant in Malaysia.
Her mind-blowing performance earned her the 2nd runner-up slot and other accolades at Miss Orient Tourism.
Miss Orient Tourism Global is a beauty pageant focused on promoting tourism and celebrating global unity and cultural diversity.
Speaking to The Spectator after the event, Miss Tourism 2024, Lawrencia Ama Yeboah said, it is a dream come true and honour to represent her beloved Ghana on a global stage.
She said, from “May 18 to 24, I immersed myself in the vibrant culture of Malaysia for the Miss Orient Tourism Global pageant, and I’m thrilled to share that I’ve returned home as the Second Runner-Up. It was an absolute dream come true, and I couldn’t be prouder of what we, as Ghana, achieved.
According to her, the week was a whirlwind of unforgettable moments,adding that they kicked things off with glamorous evening gown and swimwear photoshoots, which were her first real taste of the international spotlight.
“However,it was during the National Costume competition that my heart truly swelled with pride. I poured my soul into showcasing Ghana’s rich heritage, and standing there in our beautiful traditional attire, I was absolutely ecstatic to be named the First Runner-Up for Best National Costume.It felt like a win for every Ghanaian, a testament to our incredible artistry,” she revealed.
Recounting how her experience commenced, she told the paper “Our journey took us from the historical charm of Melaka to the bustling energy of Kuala Lumpur, where we settled into the luxurious Royal Chulan Damansara. The excitement continued at the KL Gateway Mall, where subsidiary awards were presented. I was genuinely humbled and delighted to be awarded Miss Crowning Glory.”
The grand finale on May 23,2025 was electrifying considering the fierce competition, however, Miss Tourism Ghana became overjoyed to win another sash as the Second Runner-Up Miss Photogenic, proving that Ghana’s beauty truly shines.
Excitement reached its crescendo when she was called again as the overall Second Runner-Up of Miss Orient Tourism Global.
The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Miss Tourism Ghana Organisation, Mrs. Delphine Brew-Hammond, expressed appreciation to GTP, Tang Palace Hotel, NASCO, Kaya Tours, Lush Hair, and Max Beauty, among others, for helping project Ghana’s cultural heritage on the international stage.
By Edem Mensah-Tsotorme
