Shane Gillis' SNL Monologue Draws Mixed Celebrity Reactions: Bobby Bones Praises, Dan Levy Condemns
Shane Gillis' third hosting stint on 'Saturday Night Live' sparked a polarized celebrity response following a monologue criticizing women's gym attire. While 'Dancing with the Stars' winner Bobby Bones defended the bit as 'funny' and 'bold,' actors Dan Levy and Ego Nwodim condemned the remarks as misogynistic. Gillis also apologized for an accidental profanity slip during a sketch, but the primary controversy centers on his comments about female gymgoers, which critics linked to broader issues of objectification.
Key points
- Bobby Bones praised Gillis' monologue on his podcast, calling it 'pretty funny' and respecting his willingness to 'take chances.'
- Dan Levy called the monologue 'misogynist' on Instagram, stating that men calling women 'whores' makes them misogynists, not the women themselves.
- Ego Nwodim mocked Gillis by posting an Instagram story captioned 'whore reporting for duty' while at the gym.
- Gillis apologized for accidentally swearing during a Dr. Seuss sketch but did not apologize for the monologue's content.
- The backlash occurred amid national scrutiny of sexual assault cases, with critics linking the jokes to rape culture.
Background
Gillis was previously removed from the 'SNL' cast in 2019 after racist and homophobic slurs from his podcast resurfaced. He has since hosted the show three times, including in 2024 and 2025. This is his third hosting stint, which aired on October 10, 2026.
How outlets are covering it
Outlets highlight a sharp divide in public reaction. Page Six emphasizes Bobby Bones' defense of the comedy, noting his appreciation for Gillis' boldness. Conversely, NBC News and Deadline focus on the condemnation from Dan Levy and Ego Nwodim, framing the monologue as misogynistic. Yahoo notes the broader cultural context, linking the backlash to ongoing national conversations about sexual assault and objectification. While some view the monologue as edgy comedy, others see it as a harmful reinforcement of misogynistic attitudes.
Why it matters
The incident highlights ongoing tensions in comedy regarding the boundaries of humor and misogyny. It reflects how public figures and media outlets can sharply diverge in their interpretation of controversial comedy, especially when linked to broader social issues like sexual assault and gender dynamics.
What to watch
Gillis is expected to continue his hosting and performing career, but the backlash may impact his public image and future opportunities. The debate over the monologue is likely to continue on social media and in media coverage, with further responses from public figures and fans.
- Bobby Bones raves over Shane Gillis’ controversial ‘SNL’ monologue: ‘So funny’ Page Six
- Dan Levy Condemns Shane Gillis’s ‘S.N.L.’ Monologue The New York Times
- Shane Gillis joked about women's gym shorts. Women are turning the insult around. Yahoo
- Shane Gillis Drops F-Bomb In ‘SNL’ “Green Eggs & Ham” Sketch, Apologizes Deadline
- Former ‘SNL’ star Ego Nwodim mocks Shane Gillis monologue about women’s gym outfits NBC News
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