SNL Veteran Kenan Thompson Faces Legal Action Over Alleged Lease Violation
Saturday Night Live star Kenan Thompson finds himself in legal hot water as a former landlord files a lawsuit claiming the comedian owes more than $34,390 for allegedly breaking a lease agreement on a Los Angeles property. According to legal documents obtained by The Daily Mail, the 47-year-old actor is accused of terminating a year-long rental contract prematurely and abandoning his obligations under the lease.
Contractual Dispute and Financial Claims
The lawsuit alleges that Thompson signed a 12-month lease set to begin on October 1, 2025, but broke the contract shortly afterwards. The landlord claims to have refused Thompson's request to end the lease early, meaning the comedian remained responsible for rent until a replacement tenant was found. This clause is described in the lawsuit as being consistent with California law.
According to the legal filing:
- Thompson's monthly rent was $10,250
- A replacement tenant was found for the remaining nine months at a reduced rate of $8,500 per month
- The actor allegedly owes $17,425 in past rent for November and December
- He also reportedly owes $15,750 to cover the rental shortfall over the next nine months
Additional Fees and Security Deposit
The landlord is seeking further compensation including:
- A $871 late fee
- A $9,594 break fee
- $1,000 for legal fees recoverable under the lease
The total claim of $34,390 includes the deduction of Thompson's $10,250 security deposit. The landlord alleges suffering damages including lost rent, rent differential losses, late fees, brokerage fees, and legal expenses.
Conflicting Accounts and Thompson's Response
In December, Thompson allegedly agreed through his counsel to terminate the lease while preserving the landlord's right to seek damages. The documents state: "Through his counsel, agreed that the lease could be terminated to allow re-leasing, but that any such termination would preserve Plaintiff's right to seek all past or future damages, including all lost rent and rental shortfall."
However, sources close to Thompson told TMZ that the issue represents a contractual dispute rather than a refusal to pay rent. They claim the actor never received keys to the property and was never physically present at the unit. The Daily Mail has contacted representatives for Thompson for comment but has not yet received a response.
Thompson's Illustrious Career and SNL Legacy
Kenan Thompson has been making audiences laugh for years as one of Saturday Night Live's longest-serving cast members, having joined the show in 2003. Among current cast members, the All That alumnus holds the record for the longest-running history with the iconic comedy programme.
Thompson has remained enthusiastic about his SNL role, telling Page Six last year: "I mean, I love that place. It's one of my favorite places to be." At the time, he appeared eager to return despite not having a signed contract for the 23rd season.
The beloved comedian began his career on the hit Nickelodeon series All That, a show that continues to hold a special place in his heart. In an interview with People, Thompson expressed particular pride in some of his sketches from the show, including his portrayal of character Pierre Escargot.
"I'm down with the people," he told the publication. "I kind of agree with everybody, you know, when it comes to [the characters people still love.] Pierre Escargot was a lot of fun."
His work with All That co-star Kel Mitchell proved particularly successful, with their on-screen chemistry leading to their own spin-off show Kenan and Kel and movies based on their popular Good Burger sketches.
