In a heartfelt and emotional social media post, comedian Chris Redd has opened up about the complex circumstances surrounding his relationship with Christina Evangeline, the ex-wife of his former “Saturday Night Live” (SNL) castmate Kenan Thompson. Redd’s candid confession sheds light on a story that has captivated fans and media alike, revealing personal struggles, emotional conflicts, and an unexpected love story. As he reflects on the past and the toll it has taken, Redd emphasizes themes of vulnerability, regret, and the search for love amid pain. This revelation comes after years of public speculation and personal turmoil, with Redd aiming to clear the air and offer an unfiltered perspective on a sensitive chapter of his life.
The Backstory: Redd, Thompson, and Evangeline
To understand the significance of Redd’s confession, it’s important to revisit the key relationships involved. Chris Redd and Kenan Thompson are well-known in the comedy world, having shared a close bond through their work on “Saturday Night Live” and their collaboration on the sitcom “Kenan,” where Redd played Thompson’s brother. Their camaraderie and professional partnership have been evident to fans, making the revelation of Redd’s romantic involvement with Thompson’s ex-wife all the more newsworthy.
Christina Evangeline was married to Kenan Thompson for over ten years before they parted ways in June 2022. The divorce followed more than a year of separation, with Thompson filing for divorce after a long marriage that produced two daughters, Georgia, aged 11, and Gianna, aged 7. Evangeline’s relationship with Redd reportedly began after their separation, leading to widespread media attention and public curiosity about the dynamics within their social circles.
Chris Redd’s Emotional Disclosure
In his Instagram video, Redd detailed his personal journey, revealing the emotional turbulence he experienced over the past few years. He explained that, although he typically does not make resolutions for New Year’s, he felt compelled this year to embrace vulnerability more openly. “I wanted to address something that’s kind of just, I guess, been around for a long time, about four, five years now, but, you know, I’ve never addressed it,” Redd said. His message was aimed at confronting the rumors and misunderstandings that have swirled around his relationship with Evangeline.
Redd emphasized that there was no malicious plan or scheming involved in their relationship. He clarified that their connection was “a very unique, nuanced thing,” which developed amid complex personal circumstances. “It was never anything crazy until it got crazy,” he admitted, hinting at how things escalated over time. His sincerity was evident as he sought to clarify that his actions were driven by genuine feelings rather than malicious intent.
Challenges and Personal Struggles
Redd’s emotional state is central to his narrative. He discussed his battles with substance issues during his time on SNL, acknowledging that he was struggling with pill problems, specifically mentioning pills he was selling to friends and colleagues. “I got some pill problems,” he shared honestly, adding, “nothing too crazy, but crazy for my Black ass, you know?” His candidness about drug use and its impact underscores the depth of his personal struggles during that period.
He expressed that despite the challenges, it was Evangeline who reached out to him during this turbulent time. “It’s crazy how somebody will watch you destroy yourself,” Redd said, “she was the only one to call me on my s—, help me with my therapy journey, and she told me things about her life that made me look at a lot of people involved in it differently.” His remarks highlight her role as a source of support and a catalyst for his journey toward recovery.
Love, Regret, and Reflection
Throughout his story, Redd conveyed feelings of guilt and remorse. He reflected that, from the outset, he felt guilty about the relationship, knowing it was complicated and potentially painful for those involved, especially Kenan. “I really love everything me and Kenan did, bro,” he said, expressing his appreciation for their professional collaboration and friendship. “I hate doing something to somebody that I know would hurt them,” he added, revealing his internal conflict.
His words reveal not only remorse but also a deep emotional connection to the memories shared with Thompson and the impact their relationships have had on his life. Redd’s narrative is paved with honesty, aiming to humanize his experience amid social media scrutiny and public assumptions.
The Public and Media Response
The story quickly garnered media attention, with fans and critics dissecting every detail. Thompson’s divorce was already publicly noted, with records indicating he filed for divorce in June 2022 after more than a decade of marriage, which had ended over a year prior to the official divorce filing. The couple’s two daughters continue to be a central concern for both parents.
Redd’s departure from SNL in 2022, after five seasons, marked a significant turning point in his career. He was also involved in “Kenan,” which aired from 2021 to 2022, where he played Thompson’s brother. The timing of his relationship with Evangeline and his subsequent emotional revelations have added layers to an already complex narrative that mixes personal struggles, love, and professional growth.
The comedian admitted that while he chose love, it came with consequences. “There’s different ways I could have went about this,” Redd reflected. He explained that he and Thompson had discussed his relationship with Evangeline, continuing to work together for about a year before the situation became publicly known. “I was in love, and I was spiraling out,” he said, noting that his actions were driven by intense emotional tumult. Once the truth emerged publicly, Redd says he felt compelled to exit “SNL,” signifying how personal struggles intersected with his professional life.
Recent Incidents and Continuing Challenges
Aside from personal revelations, Redd also addressed a separate incident from October 2022, where he was punched in the nose outside a comedy club in New York City by an unidentified assailant. He described the assault as “fair — fair enough,” choosing not to delve into further details. Redd acknowledged that most of his life-related issues were compounded by an internal battle with substance abuse, which he has been actively working to overcome.
Despite the hardships, Redd remains committed to his path of healing and growth. He emphasized that his upcoming show, titled “Caveat,” scheduled to premiere in New York City on January 28, will not focus on his personal scandals but instead shine a light on “love”—a central theme he now aims to explore more openly.
Moving Forward: Embracing Vulnerability and New Beginnings
Redd’s tearful honesty signals a significant shift toward vulnerability and self-acceptance. His pledge to embrace openness marks a new chapter in his personal and professional life. He expressed regret over how his actions have affected others but also recognized the importance of honesty and healing.
While neither SNL nor Thompson’s representatives responded immediately to requests for comment, the comedian’s transparency may resonate with fans seeking authenticity. As Redd prepares for his upcoming show and continues his journey of self-discovery, he hopes to turn the tumultuous experiences into lessons about love, resilience, and forgiveness.
In his words, “This wasn’t meant for laughs,” indicating his desire to be genuinely understood beyond the comedy routines and media narratives. His story highlights that beneath the humor, there’s a human being navigating love, loss, growth, and the pursuit of happiness in a complex world.
