This time, he can’t be dismissed.
Shane Gillis’ recent monologue on “Saturday Night Live” has stirred up quite a reaction from his liberal critics. However, not everyone is offended; some former cast members came to his defense, even supporting the very jokes that triggered a social media uproar.
‘When did “camel toe” become acceptable gym fashion?’
Midweek musings
Gillis described visiting public gyms in New York City as a “nightmare,” emphasizing that they are packed with “the hottest gay guys you’ve ever seen.” He continued with his observation that “women just dress like whores now” in gyms.
In response, actor Dan Levy argued that more men should call out comments like Gillis’—somehow, to avoid normalizing misogyny.
Yet, two former “SNL” cast members featured in Entertainment Weekly’s recap of Saturday’s show seemed unfazed by Gillis’ remarks.
Victoria Jackson, who was with SNL from 1986-1992, described Gillis’ monologue as “good.”
She exclaimed, “Shane looks good! He’s right about gym girls dressing like ‘whores.’ When did ‘camel toe’ become acceptable gym attire and grocery shopping fashion?”
Jeff Richards, who was a cast member from 2001 to 2004, simply referred to Gillis as a “really funny guy, obvious natural.”
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Celebrity reactions
Travis Kelce, the NFL star and Taylor Swift’s husband, showed his support by liking a social media post that featured Gillis’ monologue, as reported by Heavy. This action landed him in the crosshairs of online critics.
Meanwhile, other celebrities were less amused.
Singer Maren Morris shared a strange video flipping off the camera, captioned, “me being a wh0re at the gym.”
Maggie Baird, the mother of Billie Eilish and an activist according to Billboard, said she “literally gasped” at Gillis’ jokes.
Other celebrities, including “Wicked” star Kristin Chenoweth, singer Jewel, and rapper Flavor Flav, criticized the monologue as an example of “important allyship” against such remarks.
RELATED: Actor reacts dramatically over Gillis’ jokes about women in his ‘SNL’ monologue
Current cast perspectives
Current “SNL” cast member Michael Che also commented on Instagram, noting that he suspects the promotion of his new comedy special will now focus on Gillis.
“I need to promote my special this week…wonder what every single question is going to be about,” Che wrote. “Thanks a lot, Shane.”
Gillis stirred up more controversy when he accidentally dropped an F-bomb during a Dr. Seuss sketch. However, insiders at NBC told TMZ that he wouldn’t face any ban for the slip.
Moreover, Gillis caught attention again when unaired footage circulated showing him walking off during the show’s final credits, which is when the host and cast usually stay on stage after the show wraps up.
Saturday marked Gillis’ third time hosting the show since his 2019 termination after old jokes about Chinese immigrants and gay people were resurfaced from his comedy podcast.
