The comedian, who was on SNL from 2017 to 2022, addressed online speculation in a Jan. 6 Instagram video, responding to rumors that he had plotted to date Christina before her divorce from Kenan.
“People said a lot, and I saw it all,” Chris, 40, explained. “But I’m not the type to scheme or date someone my friend has been with. What happened with us was unique. It wasn’t serious until it became serious.”
Chris also revealed personal struggles during his time on SNL, including issues with pills. “I had some pill problems—not extreme, but enough to be serious for me. I even sold some to people, including castmates,” he said, adding that he wouldn’t name anyone because he wasn’t going to “snitch.” He noted that his colleagues didn’t offer much support during that period.
“I would have panic attacks, and people would just talk instead of helping,” he said. “It was rough being watched as I hurt myself.”
Christina was the one who stepped in. “She called me out and helped me with therapy. She shared things about her life that changed how I saw people. That’s when we fell in love,” Chris said.
He admitted that starting a romantic relationship wasn’t easy. “I felt guilty from the start. It was like an emotional double-edged sword. But I chose love,” he added.
Chris also revealed that Kenan wasn’t completely in the dark. While working together on NBC’s Kenan from 2021 to 2022, they had a chance to talk and agreed to keep things private. “We stayed cool and continued working together for a year. Once the world found out, everything changed,” Chris said.
By the time their relationship became public in 2022, Chris had already left SNL. Reflecting on being punched outside The Comedy Cellar in October 2022, he called it karma. “Normally, I’d retaliate right away, but this time it felt fair,” he said.
Despite the drama, Chris emphasized that his love for Christina made it all worthwhile. “To fans I disappointed, I want you to know I never felt like I was being slick or playing games. I found someone who showed me real love, and I couldn’t pass that up,” he said.
Chris concluded, “It was a once-in-a-lifetime love, and I had to go for it.”
