Dan Levy has expressed his disapproval of Shane Gillis’s recent remarks on Saturday Night Live, particularly the derogatory language used towards women. In a video shared on Instagram, Levy criticized Gillis’s reference to women wearing short shorts to the gym as “whores,” labeling it as unacceptable for broadcast on live television.
Gillis had commented on the attire of women at the gym, referring to neon short-shorts as akin to “artificial bait.” He further added, “And don’t look; you’re not allowed to look,” in his monologue segment.
Responding to Gillis’s comments, Levy condemned the use of such derogatory language towards women. He emphasized that labeling women based on their clothing choices as derogatory terms reflects misogynistic attitudes. Levy, known for his role in Schitt’s Creek and as an SNL host in 2021, called for more men to speak out against such behavior to combat complacency that contributes to the mistreatment of women.
The backlash against Gillis’s remarks comes amid heightened awareness around issues of sexual assault, exemplified by the ongoing scrutiny of the “Cornell 7” and the alleged gang rape incident at an Ivy League frat house in 2024. The case has sparked discussions on consent and the cultural environment that facilitates such incidents.
Criticism also extended to SNL fans, with many questioning the approval of Gillis’s controversial remarks, especially in light of the current social climate. While some defended Gillis’s right to make jokes, others viewed his comments as misogynistic and perpetuating rape culture.
Shane Gillis, who has faced controversy in the past, was previously hired and then dismissed as an SNL cast member in 2019 due to offensive remarks in podcast recordings. Despite this, he has returned to host the show on multiple occasions, with his recent appearance generating further criticism for his choice of language and jokes.
In addition to his remarks about women’s appearance at the gym, Gillis also made controversial comments during his latest SNL appearance, including a reference to an Adolf Hitler haircut and an accidental use of profanity during a sketch. Gillis apologized for the use of language during the show.
The incident involving Shane Gillis underscores the ongoing debate surrounding humor, language, and societal attitudes towards gender and consent. It serves as a reminder of the importance of promoting respectful discourse and challenging behaviors that perpetuate harmful stereotypes and attitudes.