Shane Gillis Faces Mixed Reactions at 2025 ESPYs Amid Controversial Jokes

In a night filled with accolades and unexpected jabs, comedian Shane Gillis hosted the 2025 ESPY Awards at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles, drawing a mixed response from an audience comprising some of the biggest names in sports. The event took place on July 16, 2025, and featured notable award winners such as Simone Biles and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, who were honored as the best female and male athletes, respectively.

Gillis, known for his controversial comedic style, began the evening with a monologue that quickly became a focal point of the ceremony. His opening remarks included calling out various celebrities in attendance, including retired WNBA star Diana Taurasi, whom he mistakenly referred to as "Deanna." Taurasi's visibly displeased reaction highlighted the awkwardness of the moment. "My bad on that," Gillis quickly corrected himself, attempting to regain the audience's favor.

However, the tone shifted as Gillis made a series of provocative jokes, particularly targeting Caitlin Clark, who was absent from the ceremony due to an injury. He quipped, “When Caitlin Clark retires from the WNBA, she’s going to work at a Waffle House so she can continue doing what she loves most: fist fighting Black women.” While some audience members found humor in his remarks, others were visibly uncomfortable, leading to a scattering of boos during his performance.

The comedian did not shy away from political commentary either, making jokes about Donald Trump and referencing the controversial figure Jeffrey Epstein. Gillis remarked, “Donald Trump wants to stage a UFC fight on the White House lawn. The last time he staged a fight in DC, Mike Pence almost died,” which elicited mixed reactions from the audience. His attempt at humor regarding Epstein, stating, “There was supposed to be an Epstein joke here, but I guess it got deleted,” further added to the contentious atmosphere of his monologue.

Social media responses to Gillis's performance were divided, with some praising his boldness in addressing Trump while others criticized the racially charged comment regarding Clark, especially in light of the ongoing discrimination faced by WNBA players. Gillis's history of controversy, including being dropped from "Saturday Night Live" in 2019 after resurfaced podcast footage revealed racist and misogynistic comments, adds another layer to the scrutiny of his recent performance. At that time, he issued an apology, stating he is "a comedian who pushes boundaries" but occasionally "misses."

In contrast, Gillis received a warm reception for lighter jabs, such as a comment about NBA MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, joking, “SGA is here. Everybody sitting around him is in foul trouble.” He also humorously referenced former New England Patriots coach Bill Belichick's relationship dynamics, further demonstrating his ability to navigate between humor and discomfort during the evening.

As the ceremony progressed, award winners were celebrated, with Shai Gilgeous-Alexander acknowledging his achievements, saying, “It’s a dream come true and for dreams to come true it takes a village,” while thanking his family and team. Simone Biles, an 11-time Olympic medalist, expressed surprise at winning best female athlete, particularly in a category that included prominent male athletes. She highlighted her success at the Paris Games, where she secured three gold medals and one silver.

The awards ceremony, while showcasing athletic excellence, was undeniably marked by Gillis's polarizing performance, prompting discussions about the intersection of comedy, race, and sportsmanship. The mixed reactions to his hosting raise questions about the role of humor in such prestigious events and the expectations placed on entertainers in high-profile settings. As the sports community reflects on the evening, the implications of Gillis's approach may resonate beyond the Dolby Theatre, influencing future award ceremonies and the discourse surrounding public figures in comedy.