Dan Levy expressed his disapproval of Shane Gillis’s recent remarks on Saturday Night Live and criticized those who found the jokes amusing. In an Instagram video shared on Sunday, Levy did not directly mention Gillis but condemned the derogatory comments made about women wearing shorts at the gym, referred to as “whores” by Gillis during his hosting stint on the comedy show.
Gillis specifically mocked women wearing neon short-shorts at the gym, likening their attire to an artificial fishing lure and forbidding any gaze towards them. Levy, known for his role in Schitt’s Creek and having hosted SNL in 2021, voiced his shock at the joke being broadcast on live television. He emphasized that labeling women in such a manner reflects misogynistic attitudes among men rather than the women’s choice of attire.
Highlighting the repercussions of objectifying women in the media, Levy stressed the importance of men speaking out against such behavior to prevent sexual assault and mistreatment of women. The backlash against Gillis’s comments coincided with public outrage surrounding the alleged gang rape by the Cornell 7 at an Ivy League frat house in 2024, shedding light on issues of consent and the prevailing culture that enables such incidents.
Criticism towards the joke extended to SNL fans, questioning the approval of such content, especially given the ongoing discussions related to the Cornell case. While some defended Gillis’s right to make jokes, others condemned the misogynistic nature of the monologue and its contribution to rape culture.
Shane Gillis has a history of controversy, having been hired and subsequently dismissed from SNL in 2019 due to the circulation of podcast clips containing homophobic remarks and racial slurs. Despite this, Gillis has hosted the show on multiple occasions, with his recent appearance sparking further debate over his choice of jokes and language.
In addition to the comments on women’s gym attire, Gillis’s monologue included remarks about his appearance resembling Adolf Hitler and a slip of the F-word during a sketch, which was aired uncensored in certain time zones. Gillis issued apologies for the profanity during the show.
The incident involving Gillis has reignited discussions on sexism, misogyny, and the responsibility of public figures in shaping societal attitudes towards women and sexual violence.
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