Dan Levy Blasts Shane Gillis for ‘Misogynistic’ “SNL” Monologue: ‘More Men Need to Be Standing Up’

Shane Gillis made his much-anticipated return to “Saturday Night Live” (SNL) on 10 October, hosting the show for the third time. However, his opening monologue stirred considerable controversy, sparking conversations about misogyny and the treatment of women in media.

During his remarks, Gillis made a comment regarding the attire of women at the gym, suggesting that their outfits were provocative. “I haven’t been to the gym in so long, I didn’t know women just dress like whores now?” he stated, which many deemed offensive and inappropriate. He elaborated on his observations, comparing workout clothes to “artificial bait” and reinforcing a notion that women’s clothing choices warranted judgement.

The fallout from Gillis’ remarks was immediate, with actor Dan Levy being one of the first to voice his disapproval. The star of “Schitt’s Creek” used his Instagram platform to express his incredulity at the content broadcasted live on television. His post, which gained traction quickly, highlighted the disparity between the way women dress and the derogatory terms used to describe them by men.

Levy firmly asserted that “women wearing short shorts to the gym does not make them whores. It makes the men calling them whores, misogynists.” He underscored the importance of men taking a stand against comments like Gillis’s, indicating that complacency contributes to a culture where women feel unsafe. “It’s not just a women’s issue; it’s an everybody issue,” he wrote. His call to action emphasised that objectifying women in media exacerbates the problem and encourages harmful behaviour among men.

The actor’s sentiments were echoed by numerous celebrities and social media users, many of whom took the opportunity to show their support. Comments on Levy’s post included heartfelt messages of solidarity, with actress Sophia Bush stating, “We stan Dan,” underscoring the validation for his take on the situation.

Adding to the widespread condemnation of Gillis’s comments, comedian Phoebe Robinson also responded to the incident through social media. In a scathing Instagram video, she described Gillis’s remarks as “mediocre bulls—,” challenging the comedian to produce content that is more respectful of women. Robinson articulated a growing frustration with jokes that perpetuate misogyny under the guise of comedy.

Gillis’s hosting on 10 October was not only marked by his contentious remarks about women but also drew attention due to an incident during a Dr. Seuss-themed sketch, where he inadvertently uttered profanity live on air. This led him to apologetically raise his hand to viewers in an attempt to acknowledge his gaffe, although the simultaneous controversy from his monologue overshadowed the incident.

This latest appearance marks Gillis’s return to SNL after previous hosting stints in February 2024 and March 2025, amid a career that has seen mixed receptions owing to past controversies. His initial acceptance into the SNL cast in 2019 was terminated before the season premiered over historical comments deemed racist and homophobic, highlighting the complexities and challenges he faces in his career.

As the discussion around his words continues, Levy’s remarks resonate with many who advocate for a cultural shift in how women are perceived and treated, combating the notion that their worth is tied to their appearance. The overarching theme of this incident, as echoed by Levy and others, is the urgent need for societal change concerning gender dynamics and the treatment of women, urging individuals to speak up against objectification and disrespect.

With the aftermath of Gillis’s comments still unfolding, it remains to be seen how this situation will impact his standing in the entertainment industry and how it may fuel further dialogues about misogyny in comedy and beyond.