Summary (tl;dr)

Comedian Chris Redd has publicly addressed his relationship with Christina Evangeline, the ex-wife of his former Saturday Night Live co-star Kenan Thompson, detailing how their connection formed while she supported him through personal struggles with addiction.

Essential Background

Kenan Thompson, a veteran cast member of Saturday Night Live and star of the sitcom Kenan, was married to Christina Evangeline for 11 years before their separation in 2021 and subsequent divorce in 2022. Chris Redd, also an SNL alum from 2017 to 2022 and Thompson's co-star on the sitcom Kenan, later began a relationship with Evangeline, which became public knowledge in late 2022. This development garnered significant public and media attention due to the professional and personal ties between the three individuals.

The Full Story

Chris Redd recently broke his silence regarding his relationship with Christina Evangeline, Kenan Thompson's ex-wife, in an emotional video shared on Instagram on January 6, 2026. In the candid post, Redd explained that he fell in love with Evangeline during a challenging period in his life while he was a cast member on Saturday Night Live, where he battled pill issues and anxiety. He credited Evangeline as the sole person who genuinely supported him, called him out on his struggles, and assisted him in his journey through therapy. Redd admitted that the situation made him feel "bad from the start" due to his friendship and professional collaborations with Thompson, describing it as an "emotional double-edged sword". He also disclosed that he and Thompson had initially discussed his relationship with Evangeline and agreed to keep it private for a year before it eventually became public, leading to a shift in their dynamic.

Why It Matters

This news is trending as Chris Redd's statement provides a personal and emotional account of a celebrity relationship that has been a subject of public speculation and discussion. It offers context to the perceived complexities of dating a close colleague's ex-spouse, especially within the high-profile environment of Saturday Night Live. Furthermore, Redd's revelations about his past struggles with addiction highlight the vulnerability often hidden behind public personas and underscore the role of personal support systems in recovery. The renewed public interest stems from Redd's decision to address the situation directly and candidly, shedding light on the intricate personal lives of public figures.

Geographic Location

• Virtual/Online (Chris Redd posted a lengthy video to his Instagram account addressing his relationship)
• New York City, New York, United States (Chris Redd's tenure on Saturday Night Live, where his struggles with addiction and the development of his relationship with Christina Evangeline occurred; location of Chris Redd's punch outside The Comedy Cellar in October 2022)