SNL's Cecily Strong Won't Take Shane Gillis' Sexist Remarks Lying Down, Calls Out Comedian for Saying 'Women Dress Like Whores'

Former Saturday Night Live star Cecily Strong has taken a pointed swipe at comedian Shane Gillis after his controversial monologue sparked backlash over comments about women's gym clothing. Strong responded with a sarcastic social media post, turning the attention back on the language Gillis used during his latest hosting appearance.

The controversy began during Gillis' 10 October episode of Saturday Night Live, when he joked that women at the gym now dress like 'whores'. His remarks quickly attracted criticism online, with several celebrities and former cast members weighing in on the debate over sexism and what comedians should be able to say on television.

Cecily Strong Responds With Sarcastic Post

Strong, who spent 11 seasons on SNL before leaving the programme in 2022, appeared to mock Gillis' comments by sharing a photograph of her legs wearing workout leggings, colourful orange trainers and rainbow socks. 'On my way to Pilates in my new slutty ass orange shoes and rainbow socks. Might sell sex on the way not sure,' she wrote in the caption.

Rather than directly addressing Gillis in a lengthy statement, Strong used sarcasm to challenge the idea that women's clothing should be treated as a reflection of their character. Her response quickly became part of the wider online reaction to the monologue.

The post also highlighted how the controversy had moved beyond Gillis' original joke, with critics questioning why women's exercise clothing had become the target of such a derogatory punchline.

What Shane Gillis Said During His SNL Monologue

Gillis made the remarks while discussing his experiences at the gym. He joked that, after spending time away from working out, he was surprised by the clothes women wore to exercise.

'I haven't been to the gym in so long, I didn't know women just dress like whores now,' he said, before continuing with comments about short, brightly coloured workout shorts. He also joked about men being expected not to look at women wearing such clothing, suggesting that people were recording their workouts for social media.

Although the segment was delivered as stand-up comedy, the wording became the main focus of criticism. Opponents argued that calling women derogatory names because of what they wear reinforces sexist attitudes, while the broader discussion raised questions about the line between provocative comedy and language that demeans people.

Former SNL Stars Join the Backlash

Strong was not the only former SNL cast member to respond. Ego Nwodim also took aim at Gillis, posting a gym mirror selfie with the caption 'whore reporting for duty'. The deliberately sarcastic wording echoed Strong's response, using the same insult to challenge the assumptions behind Gillis' joke.

Other entertainers also criticised the monologue. Actor Dan Levy described the remarks as misogynistic, arguing that women's clothing does not justify judging or objectifying them. The reactions helped turn a segment from a late-night comedy programme into a wider debate about gender, public criticism and accountability.

Gillis has previously faced controversy over offensive comments, including remarks that led to his departure from the SNL cast in 2019 before he later returned as a host.