Shane Gillis employs a friend's spouse to trick the ESPYs audience with a joke regarding the WNBA
In the 2025 ESPYs, host Shane Gillis' edgy humour sparked controversy, particularly with his jokes targeting WNBA star Caitlin Clark and other athletes.
One of Gillis' most criticized jokes linked Clark to Waffle House fights, a comment that generated significant backlash online. Many found the joke off-target and disrespectful, highlighting the challenges of humour in a room filled with athletes who are often revered. The joke underscored the delicate balance between entertainment and respect in such events.
Gillis' monologue targeted not only the WNBA but also various figures in the sports world and beyond. His comparison of himself to Clark, stating they are both "whites from the Midwest who have nailed a bunch of 3s," was another joke that stirred debate.
Reactions on social media were mixed. While some praised his jokes as the best executed of all time, others criticised them as inappropriate. For instance, a Twitter user wrote, "Punching down is never funny," in response to a joke about Brittany Hicks. However, Hicks and her husband, comedian Matt McCusker, found the joke hilarious.
The crowd at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood politely applauded before Gillis revealed it was a joke. Yet, some Twitter users were critical of Gillis' humour, with one writing, "Not funny."
Gillis' career has seen both highs and lows. Previously fired from "Saturday Night Live" in 2019 due to past jokes deemed homophobic and racist, he has made a comeback, hosting "SNL" twice and now the ESPYs.
The ESPYs serve as a prominent platform for sports recognition and charity. While they aim to celebrate athletes and sports moments, humour can sometimes clash with the seriousness of the event. Gillis' jokes brought attention to the event but also highlighted the challenges of balancing humour with respect for athletes.
In conclusion, Gillis' jokes at the ESPYs were controversial, with some landing and others falling flat. The event showcased the challenge of delivering humour in a room filled with high-profile athletes who may not always appreciate being the target of jokes. While the goal was to entertain, the backlash to certain jokes underscores the need for sensitive humour in such settings.
Worldwide media outlets covered the 2025 ESPYs, where host Shane Gillis' jokes about sports figures, including WNBA star Caitlin Clark, stirred debate. Businesses in the entertainment industry, like Netflix and HBO, took notice of the controversy and assessed its impact on future collaborations. In the realm of sports, the balance between entertaining fans and respecting athletes continues to be a topic of discussion, with the ESPYs serving as a prime example.
