Kevin Hart had some things to say about what happened to his friend and fellow comedian Dave Chappelle at the Netflix is a Joke comedy festival. While Chappelle was performing on the stage, a 23-year-old man emerged from the crowd and tackled the comic to the ground. Security quickly intervened and removed the attacker who was removed from the building and arrested by police. Before he was booked, however, the man was left battered, bruised, and swollen by security, as seen in images shared on social media.
Hart spoke about the situation during an appearance on Jimmy Kimmel Live, which was being guest hosted by comedian Mike Birbiglia. The subject of the Chappelle incident came up, and Birbiglia remarked that it was “scary” for him to see. Hart disagreed, feeling that it wasn’t scary, primarily because security apparently made quick work of the attacker. The Jumanji franchise star also praised the people who apparently roughed up the man on his way out of the building and hopes that this sends a message to anyone else who might want to try something similar.
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For his part, Hart also doesn’t want to pay too much attention to the attack. He would rather put more focus on how Chappelle made history with how many tickets he helped sell that night for the festival. Hart also praises Chappelle for maintaining his professionalism despite what had happened, something that many had similarly praised Chris Rock for when he was attacked by Will Smith at the Oscars.
Kevin Hart is No Strangler to Hecklers
Kevin Hart also detailed the worst time he’s dealt with a heckler. While he wasn’t slapped or tackled on the stage, Hart was pelted with a chicken wing at a comedy club. He says that this is part of the territory with being a stand-up comedian, as comics have always been dealing with hecklers in different ways. Hart laments how comedians used to be able to say things back and straighten out the situation, but things have changed with the relationship between the on-stage performer and the heckler. Now, Hart wonders why people would bother going to a comedy show if they’re not looking to just have a good time.
You can watch the complete segment with Kevin Hart from Jimmy Kimmel Live below.
