Comedian and actorChris Reddwas scheduled to perform at the Comedy Cellar in New York City on Wednesday night, but he didn’t even make it inside before falling victim to a random attack.TMZreports that Redd arrived at the building shortly before 10 p.m. when a man wearing a security guard uniform ran up to him without warning and punched him hard in the face. The assailant fled the scene and has not been identified at this time, and no motive has yet been established for the unprovoked assault.According to witnesses, the attacker attempted to steal the Greg Yuna chain around Redd’s neck, but as it’s designed for the links to easily come apart, it fell into pieces on the street. Redd was able to recover the chain after his assailant fled, though his nose was bleeding from a deep cut caused by the sucker punch. Redd was hospitalized to be treated for his injuries and released shortly thereafter. The incident comes weeks after Redd announced he would not be returning for the 48th season ofSaturday Night Live, which is now underway. He was one of many cast members to leave the series, though his exit came very shortly beforeSNLpremiered its new season, coming as a surprise for many fans. In September,Redd released a statement expressing his gratitudefor being a part of the series. “Being a part ofSNLhas been the experience of a lifetime,” he said. “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 entireSNLorganization. From the bottom of my heart, I can’t thank you all enough.”Redd hasn’t yet publicly commented on his assault.Related:Saturday Night Live: Everything to Know About Season 48
Chris Redd’s Attack Is Reminiscent of Rick Moranis
Back in 2020, another actor had been attacked in New York in an unprovoked assault.Honey, I Shrunk the Kidsstar Rick Moranis was walking on the sidewalk near his home when a man punched him in the head completely by surprise. The following month, authorities managed to identify and arrest the suspect who had an extensive criminal record. The man wascharged with second-degree assault.
The attack on Moranis happened just weeks after the actor returned to the public eye for the first time in years, teaming up with Ryan Reynolds for a Mint Mobile ad. After the incident, Reynolds took to social media to jokingly apologize for bringing Moranis back into the picture.
“Should have known not to subject Rick to the year 2020. Glad to hear he’s okay,” Reynolds said on Twitter.
More recently, comedian Dave Chappelle was also attacked on the stage by someone who ran up from the crowd while doing a set at the Hollywood Bowl in Los Angeles. Chappelle escaped the incident without serious injury, though the man had a blade on him when he was arrested, suggesting that things could have gone much worse. Thesuspect was chargedwith assault with a deadly weapon.
