Former Saturday Night Live cast member Chris Redd has publicly addressed, for the first time in detail, the personal and professional turmoil surrounding his struggles with prescription drugs and his controversial relationship with Christina Evangeline, the former wife of longtime SNL star Kenan Thompson.
In a recent video shared on social media, Redd spoke candidly about his time on Saturday Night Live, revealing that behind the success and visibility, he was battling what he described as a serious dependency on pills. He acknowledged that his substance use escalated during his years on the show, at a point affecting both his mental health and judgment.
Redd admitted that during that period, he not only used prescription pills himself but also sold them to others within his professional circle, a confession that has sparked renewed discussion about the intense pressures faced by performers working in high-profile television environments. He did not name any individuals and emphasized that the behavior reflected a low point in his life rather than a pattern he is proud of.
Alongside the disclosure about substance abuse, Redd also addressed the romantic relationship that drew widespread public scrutiny. His involvement with Christina Evangeline, who was previously married to Kenan Thompson for more than a decade, became a flashpoint for speculation and criticism when it became public. The relationship was particularly controversial given Redd’s close professional ties with Thompson, both on SNL and on Thompson’s NBC sitcom Kenan.
Redd stated that the relationship was not planned or initiated while Evangeline was still married. According to his account, their connection developed during a period when both were emotionally vulnerable. He credited Evangeline with recognizing his struggles when others did not and encouraging him to seek professional help, including therapy. What began as support, he said, eventually grew into a deeper emotional bond.
Despite this, Redd acknowledged the emotional and ethical complexity of the situation. He described feeling guilt and internal conflict, aware of the pain the relationship could cause given his history with Thompson. Redd said he and Thompson discussed the matter privately and initially agreed to keep the relationship out of the public eye, though that understanding ultimately unraveled once the story became public.
The fallout coincided with Redd’s departure from Saturday Night Live, though no official link between the two events has been confirmed by the network. Neither Thompson nor representatives for NBC have publicly commented on Redd’s statements.
Redd framed his decision to speak openly as part of a broader effort to confront his past honestly. He described the experience as humbling and painful, but also necessary for personal growth. Moving forward, he said he hopes to focus on recovery, accountability, and creative work that reflects the lessons learned from one of the most turbulent chapters of his life.
The revelations have prompted renewed conversation in the entertainment industry about mental health, addiction, and the personal costs of fame, particularly within the fast-paced and high-pressure world of live television comedy.