Shane Gillis Faces Backlash for ‘Women as Whores’ Joke on Saturday Night Live

Shane Gillis sparks controversy with 'women as wh***s' joke on SNL, criticized for lack of humor and offensive content.

October 13, 2026 One Min Read

POLICY WIRE — New York, United States — Shane Gillis faced significant backlash after making a controversial joke about women at the gym during his return to Saturday Night Live. The comedian, who was previously fired for racist and homophobic remarks, drew sharp criticism for his comment that women dress like “artificial bait” in tight shorts.

The segment, which aired this weekend, was widely panned for its lack of originality and offensive tone. Critics argued that the joke was not only unoriginal but also reinforced harmful stereotypes. Gillis’s remarks were seen as lazy and out of touch, especially given the current social climate where issues like gender equality and reproductive rights are at the forefront of public discourse.

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Gillis later apologized for an accidental use of a profanity during a skit, but the controversy over his gym comment remained. His response to critics, claiming he pushes boundaries, was met with skepticism. Many questioned how such a remark could be considered boundary-pushing in a country where high-profile figures have made similarly offensive statements.

Reporting by Policy-Wire (PW)

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