Jon Hamm Interview: Unexpected Celebrity Beef 2026

The winter of 2026 has already delivered a string of headline-making moments in the celebrity world, and a surprising number of them involve…well, people just saying things. From unexpected critiques to revelations about relationships, a few stars have found themselves in the spotlight for comments that sparked immediate conversation – and, in some cases, outright feuds. BuzzFeed’s Larry Fitzmaurice recently compiled a list of 13 Outrageous Things Celebrities Said So Far This Year, and a few instances are already generating significant buzz.

Perhaps the most talked-about moment involves Cher, who, during an appearance on Dax Shepard’s “Armchair Expert” podcast, offered a rather blunt assessment of his wife, Kristen Bell. When Shepard asked who Cher would consider a “dream partner” for Bell, the singer didn’t hesitate to suggest she could “do better.” Cher clarified she trusts Bell, adding, “The truth is, I trust her. So you must have something that I don’t see.” Shepard playfully defended himself, highlighting his acceptance of Bell’s success (“The shinier she gets, the better”), a sentiment Cher echoed, referencing her current boyfriend, Alexander “A.E.” Edwards. This exchange, captured on YouTube, quickly went viral, prompting a flurry of reactions online.

The Redd-Thompson-Evangeline Dynamic

Another surprising revelation came from former Saturday Night Live cast member Chris Redd, who opened up about his relationship with Christina Evangeline, the ex-wife of fellow SNL star Kenan Thompson. Redd described the connection as “a very unique, nuanced thing,” emphasizing that it began amicably. He shared that Evangeline was instrumental in helping him address past struggles with substance use, providing support and offering a different perspective on the circumstances surrounding her divorce from Thompson, which was finalized in 2022. Redd stated they discussed the relationship openly with Thompson for a year before it became public knowledge, and he ultimately “chose love.” The details emerged in a since-deleted Instagram Reel, adding another layer of complexity to the story.

The situation is particularly sensitive given the history between the three individuals. Thompson and Evangeline were married for over a decade before their split, and Redd and Thompson were colleagues on SNL for several years. The revelation has prompted discussion about navigating relationships within a close-knit professional environment, and the challenges of personal lives intersecting with public careers.

Jon Hamm’s Run-Ins

Although the BuzzFeed piece highlights these two instances, Jon Hamm seems to be accumulating a bit of a reputation for outspoken moments. The actor is currently embroiled in a lighthearted “beef” with Casey Affleck, stemming from Hamm’s comments about sports fans in Chicago and Boston during an appearance on The Rich Eisen Show in December 2024. Hamm, a St. Louis Cardinals fan, took issue with a caller from Chicago complaining about the difficulties of being a fan, listing off a series of recent championships won by Chicago teams. Affleck responded on the same program, playfully defending his hometown and acknowledging Hamm as a “great guy” despite his baseball loyalties. AS USA details the exchange, framing it as a friendly rivalry.

However, this isn’t the only recent controversy surrounding Hamm. Entertainment Weekly reports that Kathy Griffin has revealed she hasn’t forgiven Hamm for an insult he allegedly made while “wasted.” Griffin hasn’t publicly detailed the specifics of the incident, but has stated that the timing and nature of the comment were particularly hurtful. This adds another layer to Hamm’s evolving public persona, suggesting a pattern of unfiltered remarks.

The Broader Trend: Unfiltered Celebrity Discourse?

These incidents raise questions about the increasing willingness of celebrities to speak candidly – and sometimes controversially – in public forums. The rise of podcasts like “Armchair Expert” and the prevalence of social media have created platforms where stars can bypass traditional media gatekeepers and connect directly with audiences. While this can foster a sense of authenticity, it also increases the risk of off-the-cuff remarks generating negative attention.

It’s worth noting that the line between “outrageous” and “honest” is often subjective, and what one person finds offensive, another might locate refreshing. However, the recent examples suggest that celebrities are becoming more comfortable expressing their opinions, even if those opinions are unpopular or potentially damaging to their public image. The consequences of such candor, as evidenced by Griffin’s ongoing resentment towards Hamm, can be long-lasting.

What’s Next for These Stories?

The fallout from these incidents is likely to continue unfolding in the coming weeks. It remains to be seen whether Hamm will address Griffin’s accusations or attempt to smooth things over. The dynamic between Redd, Thompson, and Evangeline will undoubtedly be a topic of conversation within the comedy community, and their future professional interactions will be closely watched. As for Cher and Shepard, their playful exchange seems unlikely to escalate further, but it serves as a reminder that even long-standing friendships can be subject to moments of unexpected honesty. The ongoing trend of celebrities sharing unfiltered thoughts suggests that more such moments are inevitable, and the entertainment landscape will likely continue to be shaped by these candid – and sometimes controversial – interactions.