Chris Redd Addresses Assault Rumors Involving Kenan Thompson

Chris Redd is setting the record straight. The actor, 40, has denied allegations surrounding an assault incident where his friend and colleague Kenan Thompson was reportedly said to have punched him outside a comedy club in New York City back in October 2022.

“Kenan didn’t hit me,” Redd stated, clarifying in a recent interview. “People seem to think he did, but that’s just not true.”

When asked if he believed Thompson was behind the attack, Redd replied, “We know who did it. That’s it.” It seems he’s trying to keep the focus away from speculation about Thompson’s involvement.

At the time of the incident, Redd was reportedly dating his ex-wife, Christina Evangeline. He and Thompson have shared a close friendship, with Redd being part of the “Saturday Night Live” cast from 2017 to 2022, while Thompson has been on the show since 2003.

Thompson, who was married to Evangeline from 2011 until their split in 2022, has since moved on, but the dynamics between these individuals appear complex.

In an Instagram video earlier this month, Redd discussed the situation further. He reflected on his tendency to retaliate when provoked but admitted he chose differently this time. “I felt it was fair this time, fair enough,” he shared.

While he didn’t dive into the specifics of why he was assaulted, Redd did touch on his past romantic involvement with Evangeline, noting that there was “no plan” behind their relationship. He emphasized that he isn’t the kind of person to pursue a friend’s ex-girlfriend, indicating that their connection was genuine and unexpected.

Redd mentioned that during his time on “SNL,” he faced some personal challenges, including substance issues. He expressed gratitude for Evangeline’s support during those tough times, noting that she was a significant figure in his recovery journey.

“It’s crazy for someone to watch you destroy yourself,” he admitted, highlighting the emotional complexity of his relationship with Evangeline. “That’s when we fell in love,” he added, acknowledging the guilt he felt due to his friendship with Thompson. “I appreciate everything Kenan and I created together,” he stated, suggesting a deep respect for their collaboration.

While reflecting on his decisions, Redd confessed that he had discussed his feelings with Thompson before any public scrutiny. “I was in love, and it was a vicious cycle,” he reasoned. He apologized for any disappointment his choices may have caused, reiterating that it never was intended to be a joke, but rather a pursuit of genuine love.

Sources have indicated that Redd and Evangeline, who started dating earlier this year, have formed a strong bond through challenging times, with no hard feelings remaining between Thompson and Redd. “Conversations were happening even before it all came out,” a source noted, suggesting a level of understanding despite the complicated situation.