Dan Levy criticized Shane Gillis for his controversial monologue on Saturday Night Live, particularly taking issue with Gillis’s derogatory comments about women wearing short shorts to the gym. In an Instagram video, Levy expressed his dismay over the use of offensive language such as labeling women who wear short shorts as “whores.” Gillis had remarked on the attire of women at the gym, comparing their neon short-shorts to fishing lures and making inappropriate comments about not looking at them.

Levy, known for his role in Schitt’s Creek and having hosted SNL in 2021, condemned the remarks, emphasizing that women’s clothing choices should not be equated with derogatory labels. He stressed the importance of men speaking out against such objectification, highlighting the role of societal complacency in perpetuating a culture that enables mistreatment and sexual assault of women.

The backlash against Gillis’s remarks coincides with heightened scrutiny following the allegations against the “Cornell 7” for a 2024 gang rape incident at an Ivy League fraternity house, with support rallying behind the accuser, known as Jane Doe. The controversy has sparked conversations about consent, campus culture, and the need to address systemic issues that contribute to such incidents.

Criticism of Gillis’s monologue extended to SNL fans and social media users, with many condemning the joke and questioning the decision to include it, especially in light of ongoing discussions around sexual assault. While some defended Gillis’s comedic style, others denounced the misogynistic tone of his remarks and their potential contribution to rape culture.

Shane Gillis has a history of controversial statements, having been hired and subsequently dismissed from SNL in 2019 due to racist and homophobic remarks in past podcast clips. Despite facing previous backlash, Gillis has since returned to host the show multiple times, but continues to attract criticism for his choice of jokes and language, including his recent monologue on SNL.