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Shane Gillis says he promised 'no controversy' before 'SNL' monologue that sparked backlash
By Taylor Penley
Published November 14, 2026
Comedian Shane Gillis is finally speaking out about his controversial ‘Saturday Night Live’ monologue and the backlash it caused. (Will Heath/NBC via Getty Images)
Comedian Shane Gillis said he promised "Saturday Night Live" producers "no controversy" before delivering a monologue that sparked a backlash over his jokes about women’s revealing gym attire.
"Not to defend SNL, they don't approve it. I mean, they could shut it down," Gillis said on the podcast "The Joe Rogan Experience."
"But you don't write your set and give it to them," he added. "Unless you’re not a comedian. I’m sure non-comics, they write the set for them. They have writers that write the monologue for them."
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"The funniest part was ... they were like, ‘What’s going on with the monologue?’ And I was like, ‘It’s not great, but I don’t say anything bad.’ The whole time, I was like, ‘Fellas, I’m giving you a solid C-minus of a monologue, but I promise there’s no controversy. I’m calling myself fat for f---ing 10 minutes. That’s it.'"
Gillis, 38, drew criticism from celebrities including actor Dan Levy and former "SNL" cast member Ego Nwodim after joking during his Oct. 10 hosting appearance that women at the gym "dress like whores."
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"Schitt's Creek" star Dan Levy criticized comedian Shane Gillis over his "Saturday Night Live" monologue. (Getty Images for Critics Choice)
"I haven’t been to the gym in so long. I didn’t know women just dress like whores now?" Gillis said during the opening monologue.
"Look, I’m sorry, there’s no other way to describe [it]. Have you seen it? I’ve seen it. You’ve seen the shorts? They’re those neon, like, artificial bait-colored [shorts], and the wrinkles go around the cheeks and all combine at the butthole. And don’t look! You’re not allowed to look."
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Shane Gillis at the 2025 ESPY Awards held at the Dolby Theatre on July 16, 2025 in Los Angeles, Calif. (Christopher Polk/ via Getty Images)
Jason Mudd, CEO of Axia Public Relations, talked to Fox News Digital about Gillis speaking out on the controversy.
"If Shane Gillis were my public relations client, I'd advise him to acknowledge the people who were offended before he explains his intent," he suggested.
"The people who book his next gig may not hear the podcast," Mudd added. "They tend to watch how he handles the aftermath. If he cares and wants as many opportunities as possible, he might need to pivot. Maybe he doesn’t care. If that’s on brand, he can stay himself."
Carvey said on his "Fly on the Wall" podcast with David Spade that he did not understand the controversy and viewed Gillis' remarks as a joke.
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"I just didn't understand the kerfuffle," he said. "Only 'cause to me, I just saw it as what we call – I'll just say it – a joke," he added.
Fox News Digital reached out to NBC for comment.
Fox News Digital's Lauryn Overhultz contributed to this report.
https://www.foxnews.com/media/shane-gillis-says-he-promised-no-controversy-before-snl-monologue-sparked-backlash