Brief
Shane Gillis sparks backlash with gym‑women comment on SNL monologue
The comedian's remarks ignited criticism from SNL staff, celebrities and media outlets after his October 10 monologue.
By Felo News Desk · Published
Shane Gillis drew widespread criticism after his October 10 monologue on "Saturday Night Live" included a line describing women at the gym as "whores," according to the Los Angeles Times.
What happened
During the live broadcast, Gillis referenced his own appearance in a beer commercial and then said he hit his "fat rock bottom." He went on to describe women at the gym, saying, "I didn’t know women just dressed like w— now," a paraphrase of the offensive "whores" comment. The monologue also featured a profanity slip, with Gillis accidentally uttering an F‑word before correcting himself.
What the reports add
The Los Angeles Times noted that the jokes fit a pattern seen in Gillis's 2024 and 2025 appearances, mixing homophobia, misogyny and occasional racist references. It also highlighted that Gillis was previously fired from SNL in 2019 after racist slurs resurfaced from his podcast history. The outlet mentioned that criticism came not only from media pundits but also from SNL insiders, including "Weekend Update" co‑host Michael Che, who posted a sarcastic Instagram comment, and former cast members such as Ego Nwodim and Cecily Strong, who responded with jokes about their own gym attire.
What was said
Michael Che wrote on Instagram, "Thanks a lot, Shane," in reference to the controversy. Former writer Paula Pell and graphic designer Jessie Leo also posted critical remarks, though the article does not quote them directly. Dan Levy, mentioned in related Felo coverage, condemned the gym comment in an Instagram video posted on October 12, calling it misogynistic.
How it came about
Gillis was invited to host SNL three times, most recently on October 10, despite his prior firing. The Los Angeles Times cited a recent documentary, "Lorne," in which producer Lorne Michaels is shown explaining to Steve Martin how quickly the 2019 backlash forced NBC to act. Michaels has described the current outrage as an "overreaction" in a Hollywood Reporter interview, though he has not publicly commented on the October 10 monologue.
Key facts
- Shane Gillis called women at the gym "whores" during his October 10 SNL monologue. (latimes.com)
- The monologue also included an accidental F‑word slip. (latimes.com)
- Gillis was previously fired from SNL in 2019 after racist and homophobic podcast comments resurfaced. (latimes.com)
Sources
- [1] latimes.com — originally reported as “Commentary: As outrage over Shane Gillis' 'SNL' monologue has grown, one person has kept quiet”
