Chris Redd, the former Saturday Night Live cast member, has spoken candidly about his struggles with pills while working on the long-running NBC sketch show.
In a recent Instagram video, the 40-year-old comedian described this chapter of his life as a time of “vulnerability and openness,” sharing both the personal and professional impact of his substance issues.
“While I was at the show, I had some pill issues, I had some pill problems,” Redd admitted.
“Nothing too crazy, but crazy for my Black a**, you know?” The video, posted on Tuesday, marked one of the first times he publicly addressed these challenges in detail.
Selling Pills to Castmates Without Naming Names
Redd didn’t shy away from the more complicated parts of his story.
He revealed that his use extended beyond personal consumption, claiming he had sold pills to some fellow cast members.
While he declined to name anyone, he was clear about keeping their identities private: “I’m not gonna snitch on y’all motherf***ers, man,” he said.
His time on SNL began in 2017 during season 43 and lasted five seasons, ending just before season 48 in 2022.
Looking back, Redd said the hardest part wasn’t just the addiction, but the lack of support from colleagues during his lowest moments.
Feeling Alone Amid Anxiety and Judgment
Redd reflected on overhearing coworkers speak negatively about him rather than offering help while he struggled with anxiety.
“It’s crazy how somebody would watch you destroy yourself,” he said.
His comments painted a picture of a challenging work environment, where personal battles sometimes went unnoticed or dismissed.
SNL and Redd’s representatives have not commented on the Instagram revelations as of now.
When he announced his departure in September 2022, Redd described his time on the show as “the experience of a lifetime” and expressed gratitude toward creator Lorne Michaels and the SNL team for the relationships he built.
The Christina Evangeline Relationship and Its Role in Recovery
Around the time of his SNL exit, reports surfaced that Redd was dating Christina Evangeline, the ex-wife of fellow SNL alum Kenan Thompson.
According to sources, the pair had known each other for years, and Evangeline had been a supportive presence for Redd during his struggles.
In the video, Redd addressed the relationship directly, emphasizing the unique circumstances and his respect for Thompson.
“Bottom line is, I’m not that type of person to scheme on a person.
I’m not the type of person to even date somebody that like, one of my homies has dated.
This is a very unique, nuanced thing that happened,” he said.
Redd also discussed the emotional weight of the situation, particularly considering his professional relationship with Thompson, which included work on Thompson’s NBC sitcom Kenan.
He admitted to experiencing panic attacks and feeling judged rather than supported during tough times.
Choosing Love While Acknowledging Mistakes
Despite the complexities, Redd emphasized that his decisions came from a place of genuine emotion.
“I don’t feel player for this s**t at all. But I did choose love… To all the fans I disappointed, just know this was not something—I don’t feel like a pimp.
I don’t feel cool about this at all, besides the fact that I found someone that makes me feel like I didn’t even know what love was for real,” he said.
Evangeline and Thompson, who were married for 11 years and share two daughters, Georgia and Gianna, divorced after 15 years together.
Redd’s reflections suggest a careful consideration of both love and the consequences of his actions.
Resources for Those Struggling With Substance Abuse
Redd’s openness also highlights the broader issue of addiction in high-pressure workplaces.
For anyone facing similar challenges, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) National Helpline offers support at 1-800-662-HELP (4357).
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