In a shocking and deeply personal revelation, former 'Saturday Night Live' star Chris Redd has opened the floodgates on a series of controversial truths, from his struggles with substance abuse to his unexpected relationship with co-star Kenan Thompson’s ex-wife. But here's where it gets controversial... Redd didn’t just stop at sharing his own battles—he admitted to selling drugs to his fellow castmates during his time on the show. And this is the part most people miss... While his confession sheds light on his personal demons, it also raises questions about the dynamics and support systems within one of TV’s most iconic ensembles.
In a candid and emotional Instagram post earlier this week, the 40-year-old comedian vowed to embrace vulnerability in the new year. Redd detailed his five-season run on NBC’s hit sketch comedy show, revealing that he grappled with ‘pill problems and issues’ during his time there. ‘It wasn’t anything extreme, but it was extreme for someone like me,’ he explained, adding, ‘I even sold some to a few of my castmates. I’m not going to name names, though.’ His honesty underscores a darker side of the entertainment industry, where personal struggles often collide with professional pressures.
Here’s where opinions might clash... Redd claimed he felt abandoned by his co-stars during his lowest moments. ‘They wouldn’t help me,’ he said, recounting instances where he overheard cast members gossiping about him instead of offering support. ‘It’s heartbreaking to think someone could watch you fall apart and do nothing,’ he added. This raises a thought-provoking question: Should colleagues be held accountable for not stepping in when a co-worker is clearly struggling?
Amid his turmoil, Redd found an unlikely source of strength in Christina Evangeline, Kenan Thompson’s ex-wife. Thompson filed for divorce from Evangeline in June 2022 after over a decade of marriage, and Redd began dating her months later in September. While Page Six reported in 2022 that the couple had been living separately since 2019, Redd’s relationship with Evangeline has sparked widespread speculation and criticism.
‘Let me set the record straight,’ Redd said, addressing the rumors head-on. He insisted he never pursued Evangeline while she was still married to Thompson, stating, ‘There was no plan. Things just happened organically.’ Redd credited Evangeline with supporting him through his therapy journey and helping him see certain situations—and people—in a new light. ‘We fell in love during that time,’ he admitted, describing the situation as an ‘emotional double-edged sword.’
This is where it gets even more complicated... Redd expressed deep admiration for his work with Thompson, calling their collaboration ‘a great team effort.’ ‘I hate knowing that something I did could hurt him,’ he said, acknowledging the awkwardness of the situation. ‘I didn’t feel proud of it, but I chose love,’ he added, highlighting the personal cost of his decision.
According to Redd, he and Thompson initially agreed to keep the relationship private, but things took a turn after about a year when the news went public. ‘By then, I was already spiraling,’ he admitted. ‘By the time the world found out, I was out of there—out of SNL.’ Redd joined the show as a featured player in 2017 and left in 2022, ahead of its 48th season. He also appeared on Thompson’s sitcom, ‘Kenan,’ in 2021, which was canceled after two seasons.
Now, here’s the question that’ll spark debate... Is Redd’s confession a brave act of vulnerability, or does it cross a line by involving his former co-stars and their personal lives? And what does his story say about the pressures of fame and the lack of support systems within the entertainment industry? Let’s hear your thoughts in the comments—agree or disagree, this is one conversation that’s far from over.
