Comedian Shane Gillis is facing renewed criticism after clips from his 2021 Texas comedy special Live in Austin and episodes of his podcast resurfaced online, with critics accusing him of repeatedly making disturbing sexual comments about underage girls. Now, it appears the controversy surrounding the SNL comedian is growing bigger, especially after a recent appearance on the show where he labeled gym-goers with a misogynistic term.
A video shared on Reddit’s r/Fauxmoi subreddit compiled several clips in which Gillis allegedly referred to teenage girls as “hot kids” and made sexually explicit remarks about them. The post, which attracted thousands of upvotes, also included a segment in which the comedian discussed attending volleyball games involving teenage girls.
The Reddit user who shared the compilation of Shane’s Secret Podcast and Shane Gillis’s special Live in Austin (2021) argued that the remarks went beyond provocative comedy, suggesting Gillis was attempting to normalize sexualizing minors. However, the clips and accompanying commentary do not establish that Gillis engaged in any sexual misconduct.
The controversy comes as Gillis faces separate criticism over his recent Saturday Night Live monologue, during which he described women wearing revealing gym clothes as “whores.” His remarks prompted criticism from former cast members and others, adding to scrutiny of the comedian’s material.
People Online Are More Concerned Than Ever
Social media users reacting to the resurfaced clips expressed anger and called for further scrutiny of Gillis. “Law enforcement needs to check his hard drive and digital footprint. He’s not making taboo jokes; he’s telling on himself,” one Reddit commenter wrote. Another user, who said they had a child playing volleyball in seventh grade, responded angrily to the clips, writing, “They are KIDS what the actual hell.”
Others questioned why the comedian continued to receive prominent entertainment opportunities despite repeated controversies surrounding his comedy. “Once again: NOT a drag queen sexualizing minors,” another commenter wrote, taking aim at what they viewed as a double standard in public debates about the sexualization of children.
Gillis has previously faced controversy over his comedy. In 2019, NBC dropped him from the Saturday Night Live cast shortly after announcing his hiring, following the resurfacing of podcast clips featuring racial slurs and offensive remarks. He later returned to the programme as a guest host.
His latest monologue has also drawn criticism from people associated with the show. Former cast member Cecily Strong mocked his characterization of women, while former cast member Ego Nwodim posted a sarcastic reference to the “whore” remark. Schitt’s Creek star Dan Levy also criticized the joke, arguing that men who label women that way are displaying misogyny.
The resurfaced clips have added another angle to the debate over Gillis’ comedy, with critics questioning where provocative humor ends and unacceptable commentary begins. His supporters, meanwhile, have defended his boundary-pushing style, leaving the comedian at the centre of another heated online dispute.
