Comedian Andy Dick was involved in an altercation outside of a comedy club in New Orleans’ French District on Friday, August 10, according to multiple media reports. Video of the incident surfaced online with a man in dark clothing sucker-punching the comedian from behind.
The 53-year-old had reportedly just finished performing.
After Dick is punched in the head, he immediately falls to the ground where he is lying unconscious.
The assailant walks away from the scene.
According to Global News, Andy Dick remained unconscious for 15 minutes. He was eventually taken to the local hospital by ambulance and was observed for possible bleeding in his brain. New Orleans Police Department spokesman Gary Scheets says that no complaint has been filed regarding the assault and that authorities have not been able to get in contact with the comedian.
The man responsible for the assault, however, has been arrested on second-degree battery and simple battery charges and identified as 46-year-old David Hale. He is currently being held at the Orleans Parish Prison, according to New Orleans’ WWL.
Here is video of the assault:
A clearer, less grainy video of the incident has also been released.
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After the incident, show promoter Robert Couvillion said that Andy Dick did nothing to instigate the assault.
“Andy was on his best behavior,” Couvillion told The Times-Picayune. “Some of his shows are a little wilder. Every show is different. This show was mostly storytelling. He didn’t disrespect anyone.”
Andy Dick, born Andrew Thomlinson, is best known for his time on NBC’s NewsRadio, the Ben Stiller Show, and The Andy Dick Show on MTV. Dick has also been plagued with drug and alcohol abuse throughout his career and is known for his wild behavior and outrageous antics. Dick, who has entered rehab programs at least 20 times, is a proponent of sober living.
