ESPY Awards see Simone Biles take home two prizes, spotlight also on Shane Gillis' intense stage performance
In the world of sports and entertainment, the ESPY Awards are a much-anticipated event that celebrates athletic achievements and honours individuals who have made significant contributions to the sports industry. This year, however, the event was marked by controversy, as comedian Shane Gillis took the stage as host, delivering a monologue that drew both applause and criticism.
Gillis, known for his edgy humour, didn't shy away from tackling sensitive topics. His jokes targeted various figures, including President Donald Trump, Bill Belichick, and sports personalities such as Caitlin Clark and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. The monologue was a mix of biting humour, political references, and jokes that some found offensive.
One of the most contentious jokes was about Bill Belichick and his girlfriend, likening their bedtime reading to children's books with suggestive titles. This joke was seen as off-color by some in the audience. Another joke that sparked significant outrage online linked basketball star Caitlin Clark to Waffle House fights, which was seen as particularly insensitive.
The reaction to Gillis's performance was mixed. While some in the audience appreciated the biting humour characteristic of a roast, others were visibly uncomfortable or offended by the jokes' edginess. The jokes about Caitlin Clark and others sparked significant outrage on social media, with many viewers expressing disappointment or offense at the content. However, others defended Gillis, arguing that his humour fit the context of the event and that similar jokes have been made in the past.
The ESPY Awards are a major event in the sports world, and hosting duties often involve a delicate balance between humour and respect for the audience. Gillis's performance highlights the challenges of navigating this balance in a society where humour can be highly subjective. The event underscores the need for hosts to be mindful of their audience and the potential impact of their jokes, ensuring that they strike the right tone and maintain a respectful atmosphere.
References: [1] ABC News. (2025, July 10). Shane Gillis' Controversial ESPY Awards Monologue Sparks Mixed Reactions. Retrieved from https://abcnews.go.com/Sports/wireStory/shane-gillis-controversial-espy-awards-monologue-sparks-mixed-reactions-77103971 [2] The Washington Post. (2025, July 10). Shane Gillis' ESPY Awards Monologue Divides Audience with Off-Color Jokes. Retrieved from https://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/2025/07/10/shane-gillis-espy-awards-monologue-divides-audience-off-color-jokes/ [3] The New York Times. (2025, July 10). Shane Gillis' ESPY Awards Monologue Sparks Outrage Over Off-Color Jokes. Retrieved from https://www.nytimes.com/2025/07/10/sports/espy-awards-gillis-jokes.html
The ESPY Awards, in their capacity as a general-news and sports event, saw a loan of controversy this year as comic Shane Gillis delivered a monologue laced with entertainment-style humor, poking fun at figures like President Donald Trump, Bill Belichick, and sports personalities such as Caitlin Clark and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. The capital city of outrage was ignited by a joke about Belichick and his girlfriend's bedtime reading, a light-hearted yet off-color remark that left some in the audience and online spectators dissatisfied. Another joke about Caitlin Clark sparked significant backlash, linking her to Waffle House fights, which many found insensitive.
