Dan Levy Slams Shane Gillis’ SNL Monologue as Misogynistic: ‘Women Wearing Short Shorts at the Gym Does Not Make Them Whores’
Shane Gillis returned to Saturday Night Live for his third hosting stint this weekend, but his monologue quickly sparked backlash—led by Dan Levy. The Schitt’s Creek star posted an Instagram reel on Sunday night condemning Gillis’ comments about women at the gym. “Women wearing short shorts at the gym does not make them whores,” Levy said in the video, calling out the comedian’s joke as misogynistic and urging men to speak out against such rhetoric. Levy’s criticism set the tone for a wave of celebrity and online backlash.nnDuring his meandering monologue, Gillis—dressed in a matching black T-shirt and pants—joked about needing to lose weight, being miserable, and trying to be unthreatening to women while hiking. He also mentioned a public gym, which led to the controversial punchline that Levy and others found offensive. The monologue also included a Dr. Seuss-themed sketch in which Gillis portrayed the son of the Lorax, played by Mikey Day. While some viewers defended Gillis, much of the online discussion was critical, with many pointing out the timing of the jokes.nnWriter Jessica Valenti noted that Gillis was likely aware of the “major national conversation happening right now about sexual assault” in relation to the Cornell case. Valenti’s comment highlighted how Gillis’ jokes landed amid heightened sensitivity to issues of sexual violence and misogyny. Gillis’ career has been fraught with controversy, mainly his brief time with SNL in 2019, when he was fired before his first episode after racist and homophobic remarks resurfaced. His return as host has reignited debates about accountability and comedy’s boundaries.nnLevy’s condemnation is part of a broader celebrity backlash, with many taking to social media to criticize Gillis’ remarks. The incident underscores the ongoing tension between provocative comedy and social responsibility. As Levy urged men to speak out, the conversation continues about how jokes about women’s bodies perpetuate harmful stereotypes. For now, Gillis’ monologue
Shimanta Das 
