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Who attacked Chris Redd? Comedian and former 'SNL' star punched in the face outside NYC comedy club

The comedian was reportedly approached by an unidentified person who hit him in the face 'without previous conversation or provocation' outside the Comedy Cellar

NEW YORK CITY, NEW YORK: Chris Redd, a former 'Saturday Night Live' cast member, was attacked on Thursday, October 27 night outside a comedy club in New York City. As per The Hollywood Reporter, the 37-year-old comedian and actor was attacked by an unidentified attacker outside the Comedy Cellar after arriving at the theatre.

According to a preliminary inquiry, Redd was reportedly assaulted after he got out of a car in front of the club. At that point, the comedian was approached by an unidentified person who hit him in the face "without previous conversation or provocation," according to an NYPD official. Redd sustained a facial laceration as a result of the assault, with the person responsible running away from the scene.

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Redd was transported to a local hospital after EMS arrived on the scene, where he received treatment before being released. Three of Redd's evening performances were slated to take place at the Comedy Cellar on October 27, 2022. He is also set to perform at the City Winery on October 30.

The attack that occurred shortly before 10 pm on October 27 was captured on a surveillance camera outside the renowned Comedy Cellar in Greenwich Village. Redd abruptly collapsed to the ground in front of a crowd of people while facing away from the camera.

"Huge pool of blood. Huge," said Fabrizio Cavallacci, the owner of Cafe Reggio, which is next to the comedy club and whose cameras captured the attack. "This poor guy was bleeding. The manager was trying to stop the bleeding," he added. Comedy Cellar Owner Noam Dworman told NBC New York in an interview that they are "deeply upset about what happened and we hope he’s okay. We want him back as soon as possible." "Day to day we’re hearing of stories that are senseless, disturbing and violent incidents," Dworman added.

The veteran comedy club's owner is hopeful that local officials would take greater action to reduce violence. Police said that after punching the comic, the suspect fled and has not yet been apprehended. A probe is still underway, according to NBC.

According to several social media users, the incident could have something to do with Redd's convoluted love life. The comedian is currently seeing Christina Evangeline, his former 'SNL' co-star Kenan Thompson's estranged wife. However, nothing indicates that Thompson was a direct participant in the incident.

The comedian spent five seasons as a cast member of 'Saturday Night Live'. Chris declared in September that he will not be making a comeback for the 48th season of the show.

"Being a part of SNL has been the experience of a lifetime," he told E! News. "Five years ago, I walked into 30 Rock knowing that this was an amazing opportunity for growth. Now, with friends who have become family and memories I will cherish forever, I'm grateful to Lorne Michaels and to the entire SNL organization," he added. 

Chris rose to fame on the show for his portrayals of Kanye West and Barack Obama. He also received an Emmy in 2018 for co-writing 'Come Back Barack' in the category of Outstanding Original Music and Lyrics.

Some users on Twitter have expressed concern about safety in New York City in light of the news. One user wrote, "The bitches from The View recently said New York City is the safest in the country.@nbcsnl Star Chris Redd was sucker punched in the nose yesterday. I guess NYC isn't the safest after all! Any comments from @TheView now?"

While another said, "These random, violent attacks from mentally deranged ppl in NYC are *completely* out of control. What is it going to take to stop it ⁦@NYCMayor?⁩ Your proposal to cameras + cops isn't it!" 

Other users had a much more light-hearted response, with many invoking Will Smith's name. One user wrote, "Will started this #WillSmith."

While another chimed in, "Was Will Smith in the audience?" One user joked, "No shade but karma is a b***h. How is he gonna be w/ Kenan’s ex?"

This article contains remarks made on the Internet by individual people and organizations. MEAWW cannot confirm them independently and does not support claims or opinions being made online.