Shane Gillis, a comedian noted for his appearances on Saturday Night Live, has ignited a wave of controversy following his monologue on the show aired on 10 October. In his remarks, Gillis made disparaging comments regarding women’s attire at the gym, leading to significant backlash from both the public and fellow comedians.
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During his monologue, Gillis remarked, “I haven’t been to the gym in so long, I didn’t know women just dress like whores now?” This comment, alongside his further observations on women’s sportswear, quickly caught attention and stirred outrage on social media. Many took issue with his choice of words, alleging that his remarks perpetuated harmful stereotypes and objectified women.
Ego Nwodim, an SNL alum, was among those who responded to Gillis’ comments. On 12 October, she shared a mirror selfie on her Instagram Stories with the caption, “whore reporting for duty.” This pointed response showcased her disapproval of Gillis’ monologue while implying that women’s choices in clothing do not warrant derogatory labels.
In addition to Nwodim, comedian Dan Levy also expressed his concerns about the impact of Gillis’ remarks. A day before Nwodim’s post, Levy took to social media to voice his discontent, stating, “Women wearing short shorts to the gym does not make them whores. It makes the men calling them whores, misogynists.” The Schitt’s Creek star further emphasised that men too have a responsibility to challenge such statements, as complacency only serves to uphold the environment conducive to the objectification of women.
Levy conveyed that women’s attire should not be grounds for judgement and condemned the societal norm that allows such derogatory discourse to thrive. He expressed that it was essential for men to defend women’s dignity and humanity, highlighting that objectification in the media fosters dangerous perceptions that can lead to more severe consequences. He called for more male voices to speak out against such objectification.
The uproar surrounding Gillis’ monologue reflects a broader societal conversation regarding misogyny and the treatment of women in everyday life. As he continues to provoke criticism for his comments, it is clear that the issue of gendered language and its implications in media remains a pressing concern for many.
Notably, this is not the first time Gillis has faced scrutiny for his comments. He previously gained notoriety after being announced as a cast member for SNL’s 45th season back in 2019, only to be dismissed before the season began due to his past derogatory remarks regarding race and sexual orientation. His return to SNL has thus been marred by controversy, underscoring a pattern in his comedic approach that often ignores sensitivities surrounding such topics.
Representatives for Gillis and Nwodim were approached for comment, but no immediate responses have been forthcoming, reflecting perhaps an attempt to manage the situation privately amidst escalating public criticism.
The conversations arising from this incident illustrate the necessity for thoughtful engagement regarding the portrayal of women and the responsibility that comes with platforms like Saturday Night Live. In an era where many are increasingly aware of the nuances of language and its powerful effects, Gillis’ comments serve as a reminder of the work still needed to address misogyny and promote respect for all individuals, regardless of their attire.