Dan Levy has expressed his disapproval of Shane Gillis’s recent remarks on Saturday Night Live, particularly targeting men who found Gillis’s comments amusing. In a video shared on Instagram, Levy criticized Gillis’s derogatory reference to women wearing short shorts to the gym as “whores,” which was made during his hosting of the popular sketch comedy show.
Gillis had commented on women wearing neon short-shorts at the gym, likening their attire to “artificial bait” and instructed not to look at them. Reacting to this, Levy condemned the comments, emphasizing that women’s clothing choices do not define their character and labeling those who disparage them as misogynists.
The Canadian comedian, known for his role in Schitt’s Creek and having hosted SNL in 2021, highlighted the importance of men standing against such objectification, attributing complacency to the perpetuation of a culture where women are mistreated and assaulted. Levy underscored the need for collective support to prevent the mistreatment of women.
The backlash against Gillis’s remarks coincides with heightened sensitivity following the Cornell 7 incident, where allegations of gang rape at an Ivy League frat house have sparked discussions on consent and the prevailing culture. Criticism has been directed at SNL for airing the controversial joke, especially in the wake of the Cornell case.
Gillis, who has a history of controversial statements, faced prior backlash for his SNL appearances and for using offensive language in podcasts. Despite this, he continued to make controversial remarks during his recent SNL monologue, including comments on his appearance and a slip of an expletive during a sketch.
The ongoing controversy surrounding Gillis’s remarks underscores broader societal issues, prompting discussions on sexism, consent, and the responsibility of public figures in shaping cultural attitudes.
