“Saturday Night Live UK” Mocks Shane Gillis After Backlash Over His Controversial SNL Monologue

In a recent episode of ‘Saturday Night Live UK’, Ania Magliano did not shy away from addressing the controversy surrounding comedian Shane Gillis. During her segment on the show, which aired on October 17, Magliano used a pointed remark to deliver her criticism of Gillis’ commentary, which had sparked considerable backlash.

The remarks in question stemmed from Gillis’ monologue while hosting ‘Saturday Night Live’ on October 10. During the segment, Gillis made disparaging comments regarding women’s gym attire, describing them inappropriately and leading to a wave of criticism from the public and fellow entertainers alike. Magliano seized the opportunity to respond during ‘Weekend Update’, describing Gillis in unflattering terms that resonated with the audience.

Magliano’s comments were prompted after she mentioned an incident at Munich Oktoberfest, where a ride operator received praise for distributing free cycling shorts to women. While the intention was to protect women from inappropriate filming, she pointed out a greater risk, momentarily turning her attention to Gillis. “Last week on SNL, comedian Shane Gillis also caused controversy by dropping the f-bomb. Oh, Shane. You’re not allowed to say that, you stupid f—ing c—,” she remarked, leaving the audience in laughter.

The episode served as a platform for Magliano to highlight the ongoing discussions around women’s rights and public perception of women’s attire. Gillis’ comments from his earlier hosting stint were not only criticised for their content but also for the underlying misogyny that many felt they represented. In his monologue, Gillis had crudely stated, “I hadn’t been to the gym in so long, I didn’t know women just dress like whores now?” Such statements have only stoked the fires of public debate surrounding sexism and objectification in society.

Prominent figures have spoken out in response to Gillis’ comments. Actor Dan Levy took to Instagram, expressing his dismay and asserting that women’s choice of attire should not be judged. “Women wearing short shorts to the gym does not make them whores. It makes the men calling them whores, misogynists. There’s a difference there,” Levy emphasised, promoting a much-needed dialogue about mutual respect and body positivity.

The fallout from Gillis’ monologue reached beyond social media. Former ‘SNL’ cast member Ego Nwodim and various musicians, including Maren Morris, publicly denounced his comments, further establishing a united front against the pervasive attitude that often surfaces in discussions regarding women’s fashion. This reaction has highlighted a growing intolerance of such derogatory language in modern media.

Gillis, whose return to hosting ‘SNL’ was marred by past controversies—including being let go prior to his debut in 2019 due to resurfaced racist and homophobic comments—has once again found himself in hot water. However, his handling of sensitive topics has seemingly done nothing to quell the uproar created by his statements.

The current season of ‘SNL’ is slated to continue with its 52nd episode featuring Inde Navarrette as the host, along with musical performances from Gracie Abrams scheduled for October 31. It remains to be seen whether the show will address the ongoing controversies stemming from Gillis’ remarks in future segments, but it is evident that discussions surrounding sexism, misogyny, and the representation of women continue to resonate strongly within both the entertainment industry and the wider public sphere.

As entertainment continues to intersect with issues of social justice, the response from comedians and public figures like Magliano, Levy, and Nwodim suggests a collective commitment to fostering a more inclusive environment, challenging outdated views, and advocating for greater respect towards women’s autonomy and choices.