Jamie Masada: Last News

The comedy world stood up in defense of comedian Dave Chappelle after his show in Minneapolis was canceled at the last minute due to backlash for past anti-trans remarks made on the controversial Netflix show, "The Closer."  Dave Chappelle was originally scheduled to perform on Wednesday at the First Avenue concert venue, but the show was moved to a smaller stage three miles away at Varsity Theater following heated protests. His appearance had been announced on Monday and tickets to the performance sold out in minutes.  Comedian Flame Monroe, who is transgender, told Fox News Digital that freedom of speech is paramount when it comes to protecting the "safest place" on Earth — the stage. "When I grow up, I want to be just like him, because guess what, the show must go on," Monroe said.

EXCLUSIVE: The Laugh Factory is venturing into feature film production with the launch of Laugh Factory Entertainment; their first project being Adam Rifkin‘s stoner comedy, Toad, which Deadline first told you about.

EXCLUSIVE: Flame Monroe has signed with Cultivate Entertainment Partners.

The Los Angeles District Attorney's Office’s decision not to bring felony charges against Dave Chappelle’s alleged onstage attacker has already sent shockwaves through the world of entertainment, and live venue owners across the country are coming down hard on what they say is DA George Gascón’s lack of justice. "This is shocking to hear," New York comedy club owner Dani Zoldan told Fox News Digital Thursday. "The individual that attacked Dave Chappelle did so with a knife. It was planned in advance.

After Dave Chappelle was attacked during his gig at the "Netflix Is A Joke" Festival Tuesday evening, local comedy club owners are telling the comic community not only do they "stand by" Chappelle, but they are also urging everyone to "protect our comics!" And from coast-to-coast, small business owners are sharing that they have had to rethink security measures at their venues due to recent events involving comedians.  On Tuesday night, Isaiah Lee, 23, was carrying a replica gun fitted with a folding knife blade when he attacked Chappelle during his performance at the "Netflix Is A Joke: The Festival" comedy tour at the famed Hollywood Bowl, police say.  Lee is being held on $30,000 bail. After being tackled, Chappelle doubled down on a joke that the attacker "was a Trans man" – a reference to his recent schism with the community after many called Chappelle transphobic for his jokes during his latest Netflix stand-up special, "The Closer." Chris Rock also appeared on the stage after Chappelle was attacked and joked, "Was that Will Smith?"  Following the aftermath, Fox News Digital spoke with the Laugh Factory club’s owner, Jamie Masada, who said he believes Smith’s actions at the 94th Academy Awards towards Chris Rock all but opened the door for showgoers to at least attempt to make a statement by attacking whichever performer is on stage at the moment.

The Laugh Factory injected humor into the holidays as it hosted its 42nd annual free Christmas dinner and show on Saturday.The famed Sunset Strip venue brought comedians including Jeff Ross, Craig Robinson and Jeff Dye together to provide entertainment coupled with a free hot meal for those in need.'The comedy club welcomes those who are away from home, as well as those who may be lonely, homeless or simply in need of a warm meal and a few laughs,' Laugh Factory owner Jamie Masada said in a statement.

As the controversy surrounding comedian Dave Chappelle’s Netflix special The Closer continues, his peers are reaching out in support.