Shane Gillis Addresses SNL Monologue Backlash on Joe Rogan Podcast
- Shane Gillis appeared on 'The Joe Rogan Experience' to discuss his October 2026 SNL monologue.
- Gillis stated that SNL does not pre-approve monologues for comedians.
- The monologue sparked criticism from entertainers including Dan Levy and Inde Navarrette.
- Gillis attributed the negative reaction to the current cultural climate regarding sexual impropriety.
Comedian Shane Gillis appeared on the November 13, 2026, episode of "The Joe Rogan Experience" to address the negative reaction surrounding his October 10, 2026, "Saturday Night Live" monologue. Gillis told Joe Rogan that he was surprised by the backlash because he did not believe his performance was controversial.
The performer described his monologue as a "solid C-minus" and maintained that he did not expect it to spark such a reaction. He also suggested that SNL should not be held responsible for the material because the production process does not include pre-approval of content.
Gillis clarifies comments on women's gym attire
He told the podcast host, "For the record, [I] don’t have a problem with it".
Gillis explained that his monologue contained "no controversy" because his jokes were primarily intended to be self-deprecating regarding his own weight. He further suggested that the intense reaction was influenced by the broader cultural "climate" at the time.
October 10 monologue sparks immediate criticism
Shane Gillis, 38, hosted Saturday Night Live in October 2026 and faced backlash for comments regarding the clothing women wear to the gym.
During the October 10 episode, Gillis joked that women dress like "whores" at the gym. He described the shorts as "artificial bait-coloured" and highlighted the "butthole".
Gillis apologised for his comments at the end of the show, saying "sorry about earlier".
Dan Levy and Inde Navarrette respond to monologue
Entertainer Dan Levy, 43, posted an Instagram reel the day after the monologue criticising Gillis. Levy called the comments misogynistic and stated that men need to defend women.
LadBible reported that Gillis left Levy "speechless" with his monologue. Inde Navarrette addressed the joke during her own SNL appearance.
Navarrette mocked Gillis by referencing her role as Rogue in the X-Men reboot and calling her own gym clothes a "wh--e outfit".
SNL production process and lack of pre-approval
Gillis confirmed that SNL did not screen or pre-approve his monologue, noting the show trusts his judgment.
Jingletree.com reported that stand-up comedians typically write their own monologues, whereas SNL writers draft them for actors who do not.
The monologue included an F-bomb, which contributed to the online criticism Gillis received.
Gillis blames cultural climate for negative reaction
Gillis suggested that the negative reaction to his monologue was influenced by the current social "climate".
The comedian specifically mentioned recent news stories regarding sexual impropriety towards women as a factor in the backlash, according to the New York Daily News.
History of Shane Gillis and Saturday Night Live
Gillis was previously fired from the programme in 2019 following the emergence of past racist and homophobic remarks.
Since his 2019 departure, he has returned to host the show on multiple occasions. He most recently hosted an episode in October 2026.
LADbible contacted NBC regarding the controversy surrounding his recent appearance.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Shane Gillis Was Surprised by ‘SNL’ Monologue Backlash and Says He Doesn’t ‘Have a Problem’ With How Women Dress at the Gym (variety.com)
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- ‘For The Record,’ Shane Gillis Doesn’t Have ‘A Problem’ With Ladies Gym Attire. What He Said About SNL | Cinemablend (cinemablend.com)
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