At the ESPY Awards on Wednesday night, comedian Shane Gillis took the stage and delivered a monologue that quickly became the talk of social media and the entertainment world. Known for his provocative humor, Gillis aimed his jokes at a wide array of sports and political figures, sparking both laughter and outrage. His comments, which included a playful jab at NFL coach Bill Belichick and his 24-year-old girlfriend, Jordon Hudson, were met with a divided audience. While some found the humor refreshing, others called it tasteless and inappropriate.
Gillis also took a shot at former President Donald Trump, referencing his alleged connections to Jeffrey Epstein and a previous comment about staging a UFC fight at the White House. His joke about the potential outcome of such an event, which he claimed would have ‘Mike Pence almost dying,’ drew mixed responses. The comedian also made a joke about WNBA star Caitlin Clark, suggesting she would end up working at a Waffle House, which sparked controversy among fans and critics alike. While some praised his audacity, others argued that the jokes crossed into offensive territory.
In addition to his jokes about Trump and Belichick, Gillis also made a reference to late comedian Norm Macdonald, highlighting the legacy of the show hosted by Macdonald in 1998. His humorous take on O.J. Simpson, framed as an ode to Macdonald, added another layer of complexity to the night. The mixed audience reactions reflected the polarizing nature of his performance, with some viewers appreciating his bold humor and others condemning it as insensitive. The incident underscores the challenges comedians face in balancing humor with sensitivity, especially when targeting public figures and addressing controversial topics.