SNL remains silent as Shane Gillis faces backlash over sexist remarks

Comedian Shane Gillis drew widespread criticism after referring to women exercising in short shorts as “whores” during his recent Saturday Night Live monologue. The remark, made while he described himself as a “beer-swilling bro,” prompted a surge of negative reactions on social media.

NBC and Saturday Night Live have not responded to inquiries or released statements regarding the controversy, continuing a pattern of silence the program has shown in past incidents involving hosts or guests.

The backlash follows Gillis’s earlier dismissal from a previous cast role after clips surfaced of him using ethnic slurs and a mock Asian accent on his podcast. He defended his style as “pushing boundaries.”

Several individuals connected to the show expressed disapproval. Graphic designer Jessie Leo, who works on the series, wrote on Instagram that the joke made her feel unsafe and questioned how she could approach NBC HR. Former cast member Cecily Strong posted an Instagram story mocking the comment, and former cast member Ego Nwodim shared a gym-related image with a caption referencing Gillis’s remark.

Actor Dan Levy, known for “Schitt’s Creek,” released a short video condemning the comment, stating that labeling women who wear short shorts as “whores” is misogynistic and urging more men to speak out against such attitudes.

The incident highlights ongoing concerns about sexism and workplace culture within the entertainment industry.