Dan Levy expressed his disapproval of Shane Gillis’s recent remarks on Saturday Night Live, particularly targeting men who found the jokes amusing. In an Instagram video, Levy criticized Gillis for referring to women wearing short shorts at the gym as “whores.” Gillis had made these comments during his hosting stint on the popular comedy show, comparing the attire to fishing bait.
Levy, known for his role in Schitt’s Creek and having hosted SNL in 2021, condemned the derogatory comments, emphasizing that women’s clothing choices should not lead to such derogatory labels. He stressed that men who engage in such objectifying behavior contribute to a culture that enables mistreatment and assault of women.
The backlash against Gillis’s remarks coincides with the ongoing outcry over the Cornell 7, accused of a gang rape in 2024, and the support for their accuser, Jane Doe. This case has sparked debates on consent and the underlying societal factors that perpetuate such incidents.
Criticism of Gillis’s jokes extended to SNL fans, questioning the approval of such content, especially given the sensitivity surrounding issues like sexual assault. While some defended Gillis’s comedic style, others denounced the misogynistic tone of his monologue and its potential reinforcement of rape culture.
Shane Gillis has a history of controversy, having been hired and subsequently dismissed from SNL in 2019 due to past racist and homophobic remarks. Despite this, he has hosted the show multiple times, drawing criticism for his choice of humor and language during his appearances.
Aside from the gym attire comments, Gillis also made eyebrow-raising statements during his recent SNL episode, including a joke about his hair resembling Adolf Hitler’s style. Additionally, he accidentally used profanity during a sketch, which aired uncensored in certain regions, prompting an apology from the comedian.
The incident involving Gillis has reignited discussions on the boundaries of humor and the responsibility of entertainers in addressing sensitive topics respectfully.