Shane Gillis Sparks Controversy with Jokes at ESPYS 2025

Los Angeles, CA – Comedian Shane Gillis took center stage at the Dolby Theatre on July 16, 2025, as the host of the annual ESPYS, where he delivered a monologue that stirred significant reactions among attendees and viewers alike. His comedic style, known for its edgy and controversial humor, was on full display as he tackled a range of topics, including current sports figures and cultural issues, notably referencing Caitlin Clark and the Epstein saga.

Gillis, 37, opened the event with a barrage of jokes aimed at various superstar athletes, including NFL coach Bill Belichick and NBA players Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Karl-Anthony Towns. However, it was his comment regarding Caitlin Clark, a prominent WNBA player, that elicited the most intense response. Gillis 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." This remark, which many found offensive and racist, was met with both laughter and disbelief among the live audience.

The ESPYS, a celebration of athletic achievements, has historically been a platform for humor and satire, yet Gillis's choice to address sensitive topics like racial tensions within sports has raised questions about the boundaries of comedy. Dr. Maria Thompson, a cultural studies expert at UCLA, commented, "Humor often serves as a mirror to society, but it can also perpetuate harmful stereotypes. Gillis’s joke reflects a troubling trend in comedy that trivializes serious issues."

In addition to his remarks on Clark, Gillis made a brief reference to the ongoing controversies surrounding Jeffrey Epstein, stating, "There’s supposed to be an Epstein joke here, but I guess it got deleted. Probably deleted itself, right? Probably never existed, actually. Let’s move on." This comment drew mixed reactions, with some audience members finding it amusing while others expressed discomfort at the flippant handling of such a grave subject.

The ESPYS, hosted by ESPN, aims to celebrate sports and athletes' achievements, but Gillis's performance has sparked a broader dialogue about the role of humor in addressing societal issues. As noted by Dr. James Reynolds, a media studies professor at New York University, "Comedy can be a powerful tool for social commentary, yet it requires a delicate balance between satire and sensitivity."

In light of the increasing scrutiny surrounding public figures and their remarks, the incident at the ESPYS serves as a reminder of the responsibility that comes with humor, especially within high-profile platforms. The conversation is likely to continue, with many calling for a reevaluation of what is deemed acceptable in comedic discourse.

As the evening continued, the audience remained engaged, indicating that, despite the controversy, the event maintained its celebratory spirit. However, the implications of Gillis’s jokes may linger, prompting further discussions about race, humor, and the responsibilities of public figures in the sports industry.

Looking ahead, it will be essential for comedians to navigate these complex topics with care, recognizing the potential impact of their words on societal perceptions and dialogues. The ESPYS 2025 may mark a turning point in how humor is approached at public events, reminding all that while laughter is vital, so too is the sensitivity required in its delivery.

As the dust settles on this year’s ESPYS, it remains to be seen how Gillis’s monologue will influence future discussions surrounding comedy, race, and the boundaries of acceptable humor in the public sphere.