Shane Gillis' Latest SNL Monologue Revives Debate Over Show's Decision to Fire Him Seven Years Ago

Shane Gillis' latest Saturday Night Live monologue has reopened the debate over the programme's decision to fire him in 2019. The renewed scrutiny comes after he joked about women's gym clothes, drawing criticism online.

Returning as host for the third time on 10 October 2026, the comedian faced an uneasy studio response and criticism from many. The controversy has renewed questions about why SNL repeatedly invites back a performer it once dismissed over offensive podcast remarks.

Why SNL Fired Shane Gillis Seven Years Ago

Gillis was announced as a new featured player in September 2019 alongside Bowen Yang and Chloe Fineman. Days later, recordings resurfaced from his podcast featuring anti-Asian slurs and homophobic remarks.

SNL dismissed him before his first episode. A spokesperson for executive producer Lorne Michaels said the show had been unaware of the material and described his language as 'offensive, hurtful and unacceptable'.

Gillis said he respected the decision, although he continued defending his approach to comedy. Michaels later indicated that NBC executives had pushed for his removal.

The comedian subsequently built a following through stand-up specials, podcasting and the Netflix series Tires. SNL invited him to host in February 2024 and March 2025, so Saturday's episode marked his third appearance since his firing.

The invitations have brought him back before the same audience he was supposed to join as a regular cast member seven years earlier. That history has returned to the discussion as viewers question whether the latest booking sits comfortably with the show's original explanation for dismissing him.

Dan Levy Responds to Shane Gillis' Gym Joke

Gillis opened his latest monologue discussing weight loss, hiking and the difficulty of exercising in public gyms. 'I haven't been to the gym in so long I didn't know women just dress like whores now,' he said, prompting groans from the studio audience. He went on to joke about women's tight workout shorts and appearing in the background of gym videos.

A statement attributed to Schitt's Creek actor Dan Levy circulated widely online after the broadcast. Without naming Gillis, Levy urged men to defend women more, saying, 'Women wearing short shorts at the gym does not make them whores, it makes the men calling them whores misogynists.' In a video posted on Instagram, he continued, 'This is not a women's issue. This is an everybody issue.'

Other viewers criticised Gillis for the comment, while some defended his deliberately provocative style of stand-up. His routine also included an anecdote about Theo Von mocking him in Joe Rogan's sauna and a joke comparing his receding hairline to Adolf Hitler's hairstyle.

Live Swearing Incident Adds to Gillis' SNL Controversy

During a Green Eggs and Ham sketch, Gillis accidentally said 'f*cking' while playing a son confronting Sam-I-Am, portrayed by Andrew Dismukes. Cast member Mikey Day incorporated the mistake into the scene. NBC aired the expletive live but removed it from subsequent online footage.

Gillis apologised during the closing goodnights, saying, 'Sorry about earlier.' Some viewers contrasted that apology with the criticism of his monologue. His return has again placed SNL's 2019 decision alongside the jokes it now allows him to deliver on its stage.