Comedian Dave Chappelle was performing a stand up routine at the Hollywood Bowl when a person rushed on stage and tackled him on Tuesday
Security guards caught and overpowered the attacker, who was later taken away in an ambulance.
Chappelle continued his performance at the Hollywood Bowl shortly after the attack.
The Los Angeles Police Department says the attacker was carrying a fake gun with a real knife blade inside.
An ABC reporter says Chapelle tussled with the man, who ran behind the screen on stage and was surrounded by security.
Chris Rock, who performed earlier, came on stage and joked with Chapelle saying “Was that Will Smith?”
The LAPD identified the suspect as 23-year-old Isaiah Lee, who is being held in jail on a $30-thosuand dollar bond.
Last year, Chappelle faced criticism and protests when his Netflix special was accused of being transphobic.
When the 48-year-old comedian returned on stage, he appeared to make light of the controversy, suggesting to the audience that the attacker “was a trans man”.
Chappelle was unharmed, but the suspect has been taken to a local hospital for medical treatment.