Shane Gillis faces backlash over 'SNL' remarks about women's gym clothing
In short
Shane Gillis drew criticism for derogatory comments about women's gym clothing during his latest stint hosting "Saturday Night Live." Actor Dan Levy condemned the remarks, while CNN reported on October 14 that the show and NBC had not publicly commented or responded to requests for comment.
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Comedian Shane Gillis faced criticism after using a derogatory term to describe women wearing short shorts at the gym during his latest "Saturday Night Live" opening monologue. The appearance was his third time hosting the NBC sketch comedy show. NBC News reported negative reactions across TikTok, Instagram, X and Threads. The Seattle Times described a monologue largely built around self-deprecating jokes about his appearance and weight, with the comments about women's gym attire drawing criticism from actor Dan Levy. [ 1 , 2 ]
Levy posted an Instagram video condemning the remarks, saying that women's clothing did not justify the term Gillis used. The "Schitt's Creek" actor accused men who describe women that way of misogyny and said he was speechless that such comments could appear on live national television. He called on more men to speak against them, arguing that complacency contributes to an environment in which women are sexually assaulted. The Seattle Times reported that Levy's video had received more than 1.4 million likes and nearly 30,000 comments by Monday afternoon. [ 1 , 2 , 3 ]
NBC News reported on October 13 that former cast member Ego Nwodim appeared to respond to the monologue. By October 14, CNN reported that neither "SNL" nor NBC had publicly addressed the backlash or answered requests for comment. CNN also reported criticism from Jessie Leo, a graphic designer working on the show, who connected the remarks to concerns about an unsafe workplace. NBC News's earlier report said representatives for Gillis and the show had not immediately responded to its requests for comment. [ 1 , 4 , 7 ]
Why it matters
The criticism extends beyond social media reactions to concerns about how women are treated. Levy called on men to challenge such remarks, and CNN reported that an "SNL" graphic designer linked the comments to concerns about workplace safety.
Key facts
- Gillis made the remarks during his third time hosting "Saturday Night Live." [ 1 , 2 , 3 ]
- Dan Levy posted an Instagram video condemning the remarks and calling on men to speak out. [ 1 , 2 , 3 ]
- NBC News reported that former cast member Ego Nwodim appeared to respond to the monologue. [ 4 ]
- CNN reported on October 14 that "SNL" and NBC had not publicly commented on the backlash. [ 7 ]
Confirmed by several sources
Still unclear
- Whether "SNL" or NBC will publicly address the backlash. CNN reported on October 14 that they had not commented or responded to its requests.