Comedian Shane Gillis has stirred controversy with his recent appearance at the ESPYs, where he delivered a series of contentious jokes about former US President Donald Trump and the late financier Jeffrey Epstein.
Gillis, known for his unfiltered humour, took the stage at the annual sports awards ceremony and wasted no time diving into polarising topics. His remarks about Trump and Epstein quickly drew mixed reactions from the audience and social media users alike.
Backlash on Social Media
Many viewers took to platforms like X (formerly Twitter) to express their disapproval, labelling Gillis's jokes as tasteless and insensitive. Critics argued that the comedian crossed a line by trivialising serious issues linked to Epstein's criminal case.
However, some defended Gillis, citing his reputation for pushing boundaries in comedy. Supporters claimed his style was intended to provoke thought rather than offend.
A History of Controversy
This isn't the first time Gillis has found himself at the centre of a storm. In 2019, he was fired from Saturday Night Live after past racist and homophobic comments resurfaced. Despite the backlash, Gillis has continued to build a loyal fanbase with his no-holds-barred approach to comedy.
The ESPYs, typically a light-hearted celebration of sports achievements, unexpectedly became a platform for Gillis's divisive humour, leaving many questioning the appropriateness of his routine at such an event.
