A drunk man launched at Steve Brown while the comedian was doing a set in a club in South Carolina on Sunday, Jan. 21.
The audience member, identified as Marvin, grabbed the mic stand and violently slashed at the comedian. He also grabbed a stool before other members of the audience went onstage to stop the attacker.
The Richland County Sheriff's Department responded to the scene and has already opened an investigation. No arrests have been made so far, but according to TMZ, Marvin also attacked four people in the club including a security guard who was punched in the face. Marvin also incurred $400 worth of damages from smashing the mic, some dishes, and glasses. The injured parties have already said they want to press charges.
A video of the assault was posted on Facebook which so far has been viewed almost 2 million times and shared by 22,000 users. From the video, the audience can be heard screaming as Marvin lashes at the stand-up comic with the mic stand. It took about 30 seconds of the action before someone interferes.
Marvin was led out of the club before forcing his way back to once again launch at Brown onstage. People were able to block him before another brawl began.
Better Security
Brown who was able to dodge the attacker left the club unharmed but he has criticized Comedy House in Columbia, South Carolina for allowing the assault to happen. On a post on Instagram, he said that the club should have ample professional security to protect its performers.
"First off, let me start by saying Thanks for the calls and messages from friends, fans, and family," he wrote on the caption. "With that being said, let me say this. This unprovoked attacked that happened to me tonight is a reminder of why these comedy clubs should have well-equipped PROFESSIONAL security to protect us entertainers who bring their club so much money. I thank God for looking out for me and giving my old ass the ability to Bob and weave because this could have ended in horrible way."
Brown also showed a deep gash on his arm, which he said was inflicted by the man when he lashed with a mic stand onstage.
A post shared by Steven W. Brown (@comicstevebrown) on Jan 22, 2018 at 2:53am PST
The comedian has made light of the situation by reposting a video of the attack with voiceover from fellow stand-up comic Kleon.
"As a comic you have to some how find humor in tragedy," he said.
