Former ‘SNL’ Star Chris Redd Admits Selling Drugs to Castmates, Talks Relationship With Kenan Thompson’s Ex
Chris Redd, the longtime comedian best known for his tenure on “Saturday Night Live” (“SNL”), has sparked renewed conversation about his time on the iconic sketch show and the personal challenges he faced behind the scenes. In a candid social media video, Redd admitted to struggling with substance use during his “SNL” years—including selling pills to fellow cast members—and opened up about his controversial relationship with Christina Evangeline, the ex-wife of his former “SNL” castmate Kenan Thompson.
A Vulnerable Confession: Selling Drugs on “SNL”
In a heartfelt Instagram video posted on Jan. 6, Redd addressed what he described as a dark chapter in his life while he was a cast member on “SNL.” Redd, who was part of the “SNL” ensemble from 2017 to 2022, revealed that he battled what he called “some pill problems” during his time on the show.
“While I was at the show, I had some pill issues… nothing too crazy, but crazy for my Black a–,” Redd said in the clip, before admitting, “I was even selling some to some of my castmates. I’m not gonna snitch on y’all motherf—ers man.”
The confession has drawn significant attention, in part because it offers a raw glimpse into the pressures artists may face in the high-stakes environment of network television. Redd went on to say that rather than receiving support during his struggles, he often felt judged or ignored by his fellow “SNL” performers. “I would have panic attacks… [they] wouldn’t be concerned about me or nothing. Just would talk s—t,” he said.
While he avoided naming individuals, his comments suggest that the competitive, often hectic setting at “SNL” wasn’t a nurturing one during that period of his life. For Redd, the confession wasn’t about placing blame so much as confronting and owning his past in a public way.
The Backstory: “SNL” and Redd’s Rise
Chris Redd joined “SNL” in 2017 as a featured player and remained with the series for five seasons. During his run, he became known for his lively characters and impressions—including a memorable turn as New York City Mayor Eric Adams—and even earned accolades for his creative contributions to the show’s musical comedy. Despite a promising career trajectory, Redd announced in 2022 that he would be leaving “SNL” ahead of its 48th season. His emotional and reflective post this week gives fans and critics new insight into some of the factors that made his tenure complex and, at times, painful.
Relationship Controversy: Kenan Thompson’s Ex
Another major talking point in Redd’s video was his relationship with Evangeline, who is best known as the former wife of Thompson—another “SNL” mainstay and one of Redd’s colleagues on the show. Redd acknowledged that many people have speculated loudly about how the romance began. He insisted that there “wasn’t no plan” behind it and that his relationship with Evangeline grew out of mutual support during a difficult chapter in his life.
“She helped me with my therapy journey… and in that time, we fell in love,” he said, according to his remarks. Redd also admitted that he “felt bad from the start,” describing the situation as an “emotional double-edged sword” because of his longstanding friendship and professional collaboration with Thompson.
According to the NY Post, “Thompson filed for divorce from Evangeline in June 2022 after more than a decade of marriage, and Redd began dating her months later in September.” Despite ongoing public scrutiny, Redd emphasized that there was no intention to deceive and that he and Thompson discussed the circumstances privately before the story became tabloid fodder.
What This Means Going Forward
Redd’s candid revelations mark a rare moment of vulnerability from a comic notoriously guarded about his personal life. The admissions about selling drugs on “SNL” and the nuanced explanation of his relationship with Thompson’s ex-wife provide fans with context that had previously only lived in rumor and gossip. While some viewers have reacted with shock or criticism, others have praised Redd for confronting his past openly.
Whatever the public reaction, Redd’s statements underscore the complex intersection of fame, personal struggle, and interpersonal relationships in the entertainment industry. His willingness to speak openly—warts and all—has made this one of the most talked-about celebrity confessions of the year.
