Dan Levy has expressed his disapproval of a recent monologue delivered by Shane Gillis on “Saturday Night Live,” condemning the derogatory language used towards women. In a video on Instagram, Levy criticized the reference made by Gillis to women wearing short shorts at the gym as “whores.” While not directly naming Gillis, Levy emphasized that the derogatory remarks were unacceptable.
Gillis had commented on women wearing neon short-shorts at the gym, likening their attire to “artificial bait” and instructing others not to look. Levy, known for his role in “Schitt’s Creek” and having hosted “SNL” in 2021, strongly rebuked the joke, stating that calling women who wear short shorts at the gym “whores” perpetuates misogyny.
Highlighting the importance of standing against such objectification of women in the media, Levy stressed that men need to speak out to prevent the mistreatment of women. The backlash against Gillis’s remarks coincided with ongoing discussions related to the Cornell 7, a group accused of gang rape at an Ivy League frat house in 2024, shedding light on issues of consent and the prevailing culture.
Criticism of the joke extended to “SNL” fans, with some questioning the approval of such content, especially in the context of the Cornell case. Gillis, who has a history of controversial statements, faced backlash for his comments, with some defending his right to make jokes while others condemned the perpetuation of rape culture.
Gillis, who had previously faced backlash for past remarks and was briefly a cast member on “SNL” before being dropped, has continued to host the show. In his recent appearance, in addition to the comments about women’s gym attire, he made controversial remarks about his haircut and an incident where he accidentally used profanity during a sketch.
The incident has sparked conversations about misogyny, consent, and the responsibility of comedians in shaping public discourse. Levy’s response reflects a growing awareness and pushback against language and attitudes that perpetuate harmful stereotypes and contribute to a culture of disrespect towards women.