Comedian Reportedly Arrested After Punching Journalist in the Face at Charity Comedy Show

In the world of bizarre news, this one most certainly tops the charts this week. Josh Rogin, a foreign policy reporter for the Daily Beast, was reportedly punched in the face by an angry comedian during a charity stand-up show in Washington, D.C., on Wednesday night.

The incident, which was seemingly sparked by the journalist's mildly-critical tweets about stand-up comedian Dan Nainan's routine, ended up leading to an arrest -- and quite a bit of buzz -- according to witnesses cited by the Washington Post.

Taking to social media during Nainan's performance, Rogin did what many other journalists and critics do at these events: He shared just a couple of thoughts about the comedian's jokes.

"Dan Nainan was funny until he dusted off his 2005 Katrina jokes in a gratingly bad GWB impression," he wrote and then quipped, "Dan Nainan makes his umpteenth joke about how Asians cant distinguish between letters 'L' and 'R'. Election, erection, we get it."

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But not long after another tweet likely stunned Rogin's followers.

He wrote, "Dan Nainan just punched me in the face. Not a joke." And he apparently wasn't kidding. If you want the shorthand version of what allegedly happened just read Rogin's tweets:

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In an interview with the Washington Post, the reporter recapped the events, claiming that Nainan approached him, asked, "Are you Josh Rogin?" and then socked him in the jaw and pushed him. But that wasn't the end of it. Though the comedian reportedly walked away after the first punch, he returned and took two more swings.

Following the incident, police came and allegedly arrested Nainan after spending some time interviewing both men (we say "allegedly," because the police haven't yet confirmed that it was Nainan whom they detained for assault).

Witnesses at the event confirmed what happened to the Post, among other outlets (U.S. News and World Report's Washington Whispers blog also claims that D.C. police led the comedian out in handcuffs).

To add insult to injury, it was no ordinary comedy show where this all unfolded. The antics broke out at the semi-annual "Funniest Celebrity in Washington," an event that attract celebrities and politicians who try their hand at comedy in an effort to raise money for charity.

The event's website describes what the show is all about:

The Funniest Celebrity Contest is the most creative, unique and entertaining way to support your favorite charity. Our mission is to give high-profile community leaders like journalists, other media, politicians, athletes a chance to live their dream of doing stand-up comedy by performing their own unique topical humor in front of a live audience to benefit charitable causes. For over twenty years, we’ve put on outstanding stand-up comedy programs in Washington, D.C., Baltimore, San Francisco, and other cities, been covered by the local and national media, and raised hundreds of thousands of dollars for worthy causes.  Learn more about us on this Web site; by getting your charity involved; by attending a show; or by sponsoring a table or group.

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As for Rogin, he's apparently fine, although he tweeted later that he's not used to being attacked over his social media quips. So far, Nainan hasn't spoken out about the incident. Last night, he simply tweeted, "Had a blast headlining the DC improv!"

(H/T: Washington Post)

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