Dave Chappelle attacked on stage by knife-wielding man

Comedian Dave Chappelle has been attacked on stage by a man armed with a knife, police say.

Shocking video shows the man climb onto the stage and charge at Chappelle at the Hollywood Bowl in Los Angeles on Tuesday night (local time).

He tackles Chappelle to the ground before security rushes on and apprehends the assailant.

The 48-year-old comedian was unharmed in the incident and later returned to finish his set at the Netflix Is A Joke Festival.

LA Police said the man who entered the stage was carrying a replica handgun that contained a knife blade.

He has been identified as 23-year-old Isaiah Lee, who has since been charged with assault with a deadly weapon.

Images of the weapon Lee was allegedly carrying were later released by police, who said it was "pointed at" Chappelle.

Lee was taken to hospital with minor injuries, NBC Los Angeles reported.

Journalist Sharon Carpenter, who was at the event, said there was initial confusion over the attack, with some believing it was a parody of Will Smith's slap on comedian Chris Rock, the Press Association reported.

Chris Rock makes Will Smith joke after attack

Rock was performing at the event, and came on stage after the attack and joked: "Was that Will Smith?"

Actor Jamie Foxx also rushed onto the stage to help Chappelle.

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Chappelle has previously been accused of transphobic comments, which triggered protests last year outside Netflix's headquarters.

On his return to the stage Chappelle suggested Lee "was a trans man", the BBC reported.

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