Dan Levy has expressed his disapproval of Shane Gillis’s recent remarks on Saturday Night Live, particularly the derogatory comments towards women wearing short shorts to the gym. In a social media video, Levy criticized the use of the term “whores” to describe women’s attire, which Gillis made during his hosting of the popular comedy show.
Gillis had commented on women wearing neon short-shorts at the gym, likening them to “artificial bait” and suggesting that men should not look at them. Levy, known for his role in Schitt’s Creek and as an SNL host in 2021, expressed his dismay at the joke being broadcast on live TV.
The Canadian comedian emphasized that women’s clothing choices should not invite derogatory labels and condemned the objectification of women in media, attributing it to perpetuating a culture of misogyny and sexual assault.
The backlash against Gillis’s remarks coincides with ongoing discussions surrounding the “Cornell 7” and a 2024 gang rape case at an Ivy League frat house. The incident has sparked conversations about consent, the handling of such cases by institutions, and the broader societal issues contributing to sexual assault.
Criticism of the joke extended to SNL fans and social media users, with many questioning the approval of such remarks, especially given the current climate around issues of sexual assault and consent.
Shane Gillis has a history of controversial statements, having been hired and subsequently dismissed from SNL in 2019 due to past homophobic and racist comments. Despite hosting the show multiple times since then, his remarks continue to draw scrutiny and divide opinions among viewers.
In addition to the comments on women’s attire, Gillis caused further controversy during his recent SNL appearance by using inappropriate language and making insensitive remarks in various sketches. The incident has reignited debates on appropriate humor, accountability, and the boundaries of free speech in the public sphere.