Comedian Dave Chappelle made a dramatic exit during his performance at Hard Rock Live in Hollywood, Florida, after spotting a fan using a cell phone in the audience. The incident occurred on the second night of Chappelle’s five-night stand at the 7,000-seat venue.
Chappelle, known for his strict no-phone policy at his shows, was performing when he caught a fan in the crowd using their cell phone. The “Half Baked” actor alerted the man to security before scolding the audience and walking off the stage, shaking his head in disappointment, as reported by the Miami Herald.
The venue’s policy, which aligns with Chappelle’s request, is to be “device and electronics free.” Fans are required to secure their electronics, such as cellphones, smartwatches, and cameras, in Yondr neoprene pouches to prevent them from recording the performance.
Chappelle has not publicly addressed the incident, but fans expressed their frustration over the rude fan’s behavior. One fan said on X, “Few things make you more misanthropic than going to a theater. I saw Dave Chappelle at the Hard Rock tonight and he (rightfully so) dropped the mic and stormed off the stage. My favorite comedian ever, my first time seeing him I was so excited and some p—s had to self-insert.”
Another fan posted, “Some f—king a—hole pulled out his phone at the #DaveChappelle show at the Hollywood Hard Rock.”
DJ Trauma, who provided the on-stage introductions for Chappelle, had warned the audience before the show that phones were not allowed and they would be kicked out if caught using them.
This isn’t the first time Chappelle has had a run-in with an unruly fan. In May 2022, he was attacked on stage in Los Angeles by a fan who was “triggered” by his jokes about the LGBTQ community and homelessness. The attacker, Isaiah Lee, was arrested for felony assault with a deadly weapon, later downgraded to misdemeanor battery.
Chappelle’s stance on phone usage at his shows and his reaction to the incident in Florida highlight the comedian’s commitment to maintaining the integrity of his live performances and creating a distraction-free environment for his audience.
