Shane Gillis’ SNL Monologue Sparks Celebrity Backlash and Divided Reactions
Shane Gillis’s third hosting stint on 'Saturday Night Live' triggered widespread criticism after he joked that women at the gym 'dress like whores.' The monologue drew sharp rebukes from celebrities including Dan Levy and Ego Nwodim, while others, such as Travis Kelce and Bobby Bones, defended the bit. Gillis also apologized for an accidental profanity slip during a separate sketch, but the misogynistic joke remained the primary focus of outrage.
Key points
- Gillis’s monologue included a joke about women’s gym attire, describing it as 'neon' and 'artificial bait-colored,' which sparked immediate backlash.
- Dan Levy called the joke misogynistic, stating that 'women wearing short shorts at the gym does not make them whores.'
- Ego Nwodim responded with a gym selfie captioned 'Whore reporting for duty,' mocking the monologue.
- Travis Kelce 'liked' the Instagram post of the monologue, with a source close to him saying he was 'supporting a friend.'
- Bobby Bones defended the bit on his podcast, calling it 'pretty funny' and praising Gillis for taking chances.
- Gillis apologized for an accidental F-bomb during a Dr. Seuss-inspired sketch but did not address the misogynistic monologue.
Background
Gillis was previously fired from SNL in 2019 after using racist and homophobic slurs in podcast clips. He has since hosted the show three times, including in 2024, 2025, and 2026. The incident occurred amid a national conversation on sexual assault, with critics linking the joke to broader issues of objectification.
How outlets are covering it
The Cut and Variety emphasized the misogynistic nature of the joke and the sharp rebukes from celebrities like Dan Levy and Ego Nwodim. Page Six highlighted Travis Kelce’s support for Gillis, while Deadline focused on the accidental profanity slip. Bobby Bones defended the bit, creating a divided response among public figures.
Why it matters
The incident highlights ongoing debates about comedy, misogyny, and the boundaries of humor on live television. It also underscores the polarized reactions to Gillis’s return to SNL, with some defending his boldness and others condemning his remarks as harmful.
What to watch
Gillis is expected to continue hosting SNL, given his previous stints. The backlash may influence future decisions about his involvement in the show, and the incident could spark broader discussions about the role of comedy in addressing sensitive topics.
- Ego Nwodim Has a Gym Selfie for Shane Gillis and ‘SNL’ The Cut
- Dan Levy Condemns Shane Gillis’s ‘S.N.L.’ Monologue The New York Times
- Martha Plimpton Slams Shane Gillis’ ‘Really F—g Stupid’ ‘SNL’ Monologue: ‘He Deserves a Spanking From His Mom’ Variety
- Travis Kelce ‘likes’ video of Shane Gillis’ controversial ‘SNL’ monologue Page Six
- Shane Gillis Drops F-Bomb In ‘SNL’ “Green Eggs & Ham” Sketch, Apologizes Deadline
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