Celebrities Mock Shane Gillis After 'SNL' Monologue Sparks Backlash
Shane Gillis faced intense criticism for his 'SNL' monologue, prompting public pushback from Ego Nwodim, Dan Levy, and Maren Morris. While Gillis apologized for a live swearing gaffe, he did not address the misogynistic remarks about women's gym attire, which critics linked to broader issues of objectification.
Key points
- Ego Nwodim posted a gym selfie on Instagram, captioning it 'whore reporting for duty' in response to Gillis's comments.
- Dan Levy criticized the monologue as misogynist, urging men to defend women and stating that objectification in media contributes to sexual assault.
- Maren Morris posted a video giving the middle finger, captioning it 'me being a wh0re at the gym.'
- Gillis apologized for accidentally swearing during a sketch but did not respond to the backlash over his monologue.
- The controversy occurred amid national discussions regarding the 2024 Cornell University sexual assault case.
Background
Gillis previously faced backlash in 2019 when he was removed from the 'SNL' cast due to resurfaced racist and homophobic comments. He has since hosted the show twice, including in 2024 and 2025, often delivering controversial material. The current incident follows his third hosting stint on October 10, 2026.
How outlets are covering it
Page Six and USA Today highlighted the direct responses from Nwodim and Morris, framing the reaction as a cultural pushback against Gillis's style. NBC News emphasized the broader context of the Cornell sexual assault case, noting that writer Jessica Valenti viewed the monologue as part of 'rape culture.' Deadline focused on the technical aspect of the live swearing gaffe, noting that Gillis apologized for the curse but not the monologue, a contrast highlighted by social media users. USA Today noted that some figures, like Jay Pharoah and Travis Kelce, appeared to support or like the episode, indicating a divided reaction.
Why it matters
The incident highlights ongoing tensions regarding gender dynamics in comedy and media, with critics arguing that such remarks normalize objectification. The backlash from high-profile figures suggests a shift in public tolerance for misogynistic humor on major platforms.
What to watch
Gillis and 'SNL' representatives have not issued a formal response to the monologue backlash. Future episodes may face increased scrutiny regarding content standards, and the incident may influence how the show handles controversial hosts in the future.
- Former ‘SNL’ star fires back at Shane Gillis’ monologue amid outrage Page Six
- Dan Levy Condemns Shane Gillis’s ‘S.N.L.’ Monologue The New York Times
- Maren Morris, 'SNL' alum mock Shane Gillis' controversial joke USA Today
- Shane Gillis Drops F-Bomb In ‘SNL’ “Green Eggs & Ham” Sketch, Apologizes Deadline
- Shane Gillis’ ‘SNL’ monologue slammed as sexist for comments about women NBC News
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