By Allurabella Chandler, Staff Writer
Comedian Shane Gillis receives major backlash for his segment on SNL on October 10, 2026, and is called out for his take on comedy.
A popular comedian and three-time host of Saturday Night Live sparked major controversy when the last episode aired. Gillis is known for his many comedy specials, some self produced, while others are Netflix specials. As well as his specials, he co-hosts a podcast with Matt McClusker. Even with his popularity, many do not believe his fame is well deserved, and instead that his jokes are only insults and not funny whatsoever.
Gillis’ monologue started off by describing his hiking journeys and how he has been working towards losing weight. After briefly talking about his own weight and body, he starts referring to women’s bodies in an extremely negative way. He shared how going to the gym as a “fat guy in New York” is a nightmare, and further shares his experiences in the gym.
Gillis then uses a sexually derogatory term to belittle women for their clothing choices at the gym. Due to this “comedy” monologue, many online are saying he has gone too far and that his comments are too misogynistic to air.
Later in the same SNL episode, Gillis goes on to talk about his sisters and their weight, calling them demeaning names as well. These comments have caused immense amounts of outrage all around America, spreading through social media fast.
This caused many other celebrities, such as Dan Levy, to criticize his comedy act. Levy is an award winning actor, starring in the hit television shows Schitts Creek, Big Mistakes, and more. He stated that more men should be “standing up in opposition,” due to complacency creating horrible environments for women and making them feel unsafe. Many other celebrities posted to support women by posting themselves in gym clothing and calling out Gillis for his actions.
Unbeknownst to most watching, SNL had fired Gillis twice in the past before bringing him back for a third season. In 2019, he was hired as a cast member on SNL and was fired only five days after starting due to the backlash received for prior derogatory comments and offensive remarks on his podcast. Clips resurfaced from Gillis’ podcast of him and his co-host McClusker using many racial and homophobic slurs that resulted in backlash online, alongside the termination of Gillis’ occupation at the time.
Many people are now boycotting SNL since they have not spoken about the controversy involving Gillis; no one is sure that a statement will be given any time soon. The people want answers as to why such a segment would be aired and if this could potentially happen again in the future. Some have pointed out the fact that this is Gillis’ third time on SNL, and people are wondering if he will appear in later seasons in the future. SNL and Gillis’ actions have been met with hate online that does not seem to be stopping any time soon.