Old School. Biblically Independent.
By Dustin Rowles | Celebrity | January 7, 2026
Former SNL cast member Chris Redd recently opened up about the messy situation involving Kenan Thompson and his relationship with Thompson’s ex-wife, which unfolded around the time Redd and Thompson’s sitcom Kenan ended and Redd exited SNL.
Here’s the short version: While on SNL, Chris Redd struggled with a minor pill problem and anxiety, including panic attacks, and he has admitted to selling pills to some of his castmates during that period. According to Redd, the only person who consistently supported him at the time was Kenan Thompson’s then-wife, Christina Evangeline. During that period, Redd and Evangeline bonded over their shared struggles and eventually fell in love.
By Redd’s account, Evangeline and Thompson had already separated, and when Thompson learned about the relationship, he and Redd initially maintained a cordial relationship. That cordiality, however, appeared to disappear after Redd and Evangeline’s relationship became public, which coincided with Redd’s exit from SNL and the cancellation of Kenan.
In the Instagram video, Redd owns up to his mistakes and expresses remorse, but says he ultimately “chose love,” even though it strained his relationship with Thompson and possibly others. He also suggests that he and Evangeline are still together.
One postscript: Redd also mentioned the punch outside the Comedy Cellar that occurred shortly after he left SNL. He was sucker-punched in the face, and the attack was serious enough to require hospitalization. Redd does not say who punched him, and no one was arrested or identified. At the time, there was no credible reporting to suggest the incident was related to Kenan Thompson, Christina Evangeline, SNL, or any relationship drama. In the Instagram video, however, Redd says he did not retaliate, largely because he felt he probably deserved it.
For what it’s worth, Redd has continued to work steadily since the events and is apparently preparing a stand-up special in which he will talk about life and love. And maybe more about this situation.
