Comedian Shane Gillis has stirred up a storm of controversy following his appearance as host at the ESPY Awards. His set, which included jokes about former US President Donald Trump and the late financier Jeffrey Epstein, has drawn sharp criticism from audiences and critics alike.
Controversial Remarks at the ESPYs
Gillis, known for his unfiltered comedic style, didn’t hold back during his monologue. He quipped about Trump’s legal troubles and made light of Epstein’s infamous associations, leaving many in the audience visibly uncomfortable.
While some attendees laughed at the edgy material, others took to social media to express their disapproval, calling the jokes tasteless and insensitive.
Public Reaction
The backlash was swift, with many viewers accusing Gillis of crossing the line. "There’s a difference between dark humour and outright insensitivity," one Twitter user wrote. Others defended the comedian, arguing that his style is meant to provoke and challenge societal norms.
This isn’t the first time Gillis has found himself at the centre of controversy. In 2019, he was fired from Saturday Night Live before even appearing on the show due to past offensive remarks.
ESPYs Under Fire
The ESPY Awards, which celebrate excellence in sports, have occasionally ventured into edgier territory with their hosts. However, Gillis’s performance has raised questions about the appropriateness of such content at an event that honours athletic achievement.
As of now, neither Gillis nor ESPN, the network behind the ESPYs, has issued a public statement addressing the outcry.
