Former SNL star reveals he sold drugs to castmates, but what they did to him was far worse

Former Saturday Night Live star Chris Redd shared an emotional video on Instagram. In the video, he admitted to selling pills to his fellow cast members while working on the show. He said he posted the video to be more open and honest in his life and work.

“While I was at the show, I had some pill issues, you know, some pill problems,” Redd said, according to Variety. “Nothing too crazy, but crazy for my black a**. And I was even selling some to some of my castmates. I’m not gonna snitch on y’all m***********s man.”

Redd joined SNL in 2017 as a featured player and stayed for five seasons. He left the show in 2022, before the 48th season started. During his time there, he was known for playing then-New York Mayor Eric Adams and appearing in many pre-recorded sketches.

His castmates gossiped instead of offering support

What hurt Redd the most was how his castmates treated him during his struggle. Instead of helping him, they just talked badly about him behind his back. Redd said he could hear them gossiping because the Adderall gave him heightened hearing.

He revealed that he would have panic attacks, but his castmates showed no concern for him. But [they] wouldn’t help me, you know. I would have panic attacks, [they] wouldn’t be concerned about me or nothing. Just would talk shit. It’s crazy how somebody would watch you destroy yourself.” This kind of treatment has been described by some as a form of emotional manipulation in similar situations.

In 2018, Redd won an Emmy Award for his work on Saturday Night Live, earning the honor for co-writing Come Back, Barack, a musical sketch that playfully encouraged former President Barack Obama to consider a return to public office. The song became one of the standout moments of his tenure on the show and helped cement his reputation as a versatile performer and writer.

After departing SNL, Redd continued to build his résumé across television and film. He landed roles in series such as Power Book III: Raising Kanan and Happy Family USA, showcasing a range that extended beyond sketch comedy.

Redd also appeared on the big screen, with film credits including Merv and the holiday comedy Candy Cane Lane, further establishing his post-SNL career in both comedic and dramatic projects.

Redd’s confession shows his effort to be more vulnerable and open about his past struggles. He wanted to share his story to move forward in a healthier way. His honesty about difficult personal moments stands in contrast to the chaotic emotional moments parents face in everyday life.