Paddy McGuinness says Dave Chappelle’s gunman attack was ‘direct result’ of Will Smith slap

Paddy McGuinness thinks Dave Chappelle’s on-stage attack with a replica gun was a “direct result” of Will Smith’s slap at the Oscars.

The 48-year-old television star and comedian took to social media to express his thoughts about the attack, that saw Chappelle confronted on stage by a man with a replica gun during a performance at the Hollywood Bowl.

McGuinness suggested on Twitter that the unprovoked attack was inspired by Smith after he slapped Chris Rock at the Oscars in March.

“The wrong un who attacked Dave Chappelle on stage is, for me, a direct result of Will Smith assaulting Chris Rock at the Oscars,” McGuinness wrote.

Paddy McGuinness believes the attack was a “direct result” of Will Smith slapping Chris Rock (Clint Hughes/PA Wire/PA Images)

He added: “Only thing I’m surprised about is it’s taken a div that long to copy it?”

It appeared that a number of McGuinness’ followers agreed with the comedian as they shared their thoughts in the comment section.

Chappelle’s attacker tackled the comedian on stage earlier this week and produced a replica gun before being apprehended by security and taken into police custody.

Chappelle was tackled on stage by the attacker (Twitter)

The comedian was unharmed by the incident and was able to continue with the show after Jamie Foxx and Chris Rock helped to calm the crowd.

23-year-old Isaiah Lee has since been charged with felony assault with a deadly weapon.

Chappelle’s representative has since addressed the incident, calling it “unfortunate and unsettling”.

His representative Carla Sims said: “The performances by Chappelle at the Hollywood Bowl were epic and record-breaking and he refuses to allow last night’s incident to overshadow the magic of this historic moment.”

Will Smith was banned from the Academy Awards after slapping Chris Rock (AFP via Getty Images)

The attack came less than one month after Smith came on stage while Rock was presenting at The Oscars and slapped the comedian for taking aim at his wife, Jada Pinkett-Smith.

The incident, which took place on live TV, was watched by millions across the world. Following the slap, Smith was banned from attending The Oscars for 10 years. The fallout of the incident has also led to Smith being dropped from upcoming productions with Netflix and Sony.

A representative of Will Smith has been contacted for comment.