UPDATE: ESPN is unfazed by the backlash surrounding Shane Gillis’ monologue at the 2023 ESPY Awards held on July 12. Despite the divisive nature of his jokes, the Disney-owned sports network has confirmed they were prepared for mixed reactions.
During his 10-minute opening routine, Gillis targeted a range of figures, including sports icons and even former President Donald Trump, in a sequence that has drawn significant attention and criticism. The network was aware that Gillis’ comedic style might not resonate with all audiences, as first reported by TMZ.
This year’s ESPYs, a high-profile annual sports award show, featured Gillis making headlines for his bold remarks. Among his controversial jokes, he quipped that women’s soccer star Megan Rapinoe was “not a good time” and later suggested that Caitlin Clark, a standout in the WNBA, would end up working at a Waffle House after retirement. His comments have raised eyebrows and sparked outrage on social media.
“In a year of crazy growth for women’s sports, choosing an ESPYs host who doesn’t even try to make clever jokes about women athletes is disappointing,” said former ESPN personality Sarah Spain on X. “He goes with hacky ‘no one knows the WNBA’ bits and repeatedly insults Black women. COOL.”
Gillis also took jabs at notable figures like Aaron Rodgers and Bill Belichick. One of his more well-received jokes involved Belichick and his girlfriend, Jordon Hudson, in a comedic twist about classic literature. “A bookie is what Bill Belichick reads to his girlfriend before bedtime,” he quipped, referencing the controversial elements of his routine.
ESPN has chosen not to comment further on the matter, emphasizing their anticipation of varied responses to Gillis’s performance. The comedian’s style has historically sparked debate, and this year’s ESPYs were no exception.
As reactions continue to pour in, the network’s decision to feature Gillis highlights the ongoing debate surrounding comedy, sensitivity, and representation in sports. The ESPYs, known for their celebration of athletic achievements, faced a unique challenge this year as Gillis’ routine brought humor to the forefront in a way that many found polarizing.
Looking ahead, it remains to be seen how this controversy will affect ESPN’s programming decisions and audience engagement. With social media buzzing, the conversation around Gillis’ performance is likely to evolve, impacting both the comedian’s career and the network’s future collaborations.
