Former ‘SNL’ Comedian Assaulted Outside NYC Venue, Hospitalized

Comedian and former “SNL” cast member Chris Redd was assaulted outside a New York City comedy venue Wednesday evening.

The 37-year-old actor was punched by an unidentified assailant outside the Comedy Cellar Wednesday evening, an NYPD spokesperson told The Hollywood Reporter. His injuries were serious enough that Redd was taken to the hospital, where he was later released, according to the outlet.

The publication noted that Redd was attacked after stepping out of a vehicle outside the Comedy Cellar. The NYPD spokesperson confirmed that the comedian was assaulted “without prior conversation or provocation.” The attacker then fled the scene on foot.

Redd had been scheduled to perform in three shows at the venue Wednesday and is also scheduled to perform on October 30 at City Winery. 

“I’m in New York doing shows so pull up with y’all sexy asses!! And stream the hell out of my special Nov 3rd on @hbomax,” he tweeted on October 25.

I’m in New York doing shows so pull up with y’all sexy asses!! And stream the hell out of my special Nov 3rd on @hbomax pic.twitter.com/M7BvvkgX1q

— Chris Redd (@Reddsaidit) October 25, 2022

The actor got his start in comedy by joining the comedy group The Second City and touring with them after attending comedy classes in Chicago. 

He’s one of several comedians to quit the sketch comedy show “Saturday Night Live” in their biggest turnover ever this year. Redd had joined the “SNL” cast during the show’s 2017-2018 season and got promoted to a main cast member in 2019. He won a Primetime Emmy Award in 2018 for Outstanding Original Music and Lyrics for the “SNL” song “Come Back Barack.”

Redd has also appeared in the NBC series “Kenan” and the Lorne Michaels produced series “Bust Down.” His HBO Max comedy special, “Chris Redd: Why Am I Like This?” has a release date of November 3. 

In June 2020, Redd helped raise over $360,000 on GoFundMe to cover the medical costs of protestors who contracted COVID during demonstrations. 

“I’m working on a relief fund for front line protestors who may contract COVID19 over the next couple of weeks due to body to body contact,” the comedian shared on Twitter at the time. “I would hate for my people fighting for justice struggle later because of it. If you would like to help, let’s connect!”

The fundraising page said the money would aid with COVID testing, treatment and hospital bills, injuries obtained while protesting, and would provide bail funds or court expenses for protestors who got arrested.