Shane Gillis’ scorching monologue revealed.
Shane Gillis took the stage at the 2025 ESPYs and immediately set it on fire — some cheered, some groaned, and others straight-up booed.
Shane Gillis’ reputation highlighted.
Comedian Shane Gillis, once fired from SNL before he even started, isn’t known for playing it safe — and Wednesday night proved it.
After going viral as a podcaster and stand-up comic, Gillis gained mainstream buzz with his blue-collar Netflix comedy and sports show appearances.
Alongside comedy, Gillis made waves on ESPN’s College GameDay, famously teasing Nick Saban as “Alabama Jones,” showing his sports chops.
So when ESPN announced in June that Gillis would host the 33rd ESPY Awards, the news was met with mixed reactions.
Fans wondered if he’d bring his typical no-filter style to the sports celebration — and he absolutely did.
Gillis’s shocking monologue unveiled.
On July 16, 2025, Gillis opened the ESPYs at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles with a monologue that quickly polarized the audience.
The crowd’s mood swung wildly as he roasted everyone: athletes, politicians, and pop culture icons, leaving no target untouched.
One of his earliest jabs was at President Donald Trump, who Gillis joked wanted to “stage a UFC fight on the White House lawn.”
“The last time he staged a fight in D.C., Mike Pence almost died,” Gillis added, provoking a mixed reaction of laughter and gasps.
The joke reflected Gillis’ style — sharp and divisive, pulling no punches even when the crowd seemed unsure how to respond.
Throughout the monologue, he also took aim at athletes like University of North Carolina star Caitlin Clark and football legend Aaron Rodgers.
His Caitlin Clark joke — suggesting she’d retire to work at Waffle House “fist fighting Black women” — sparked discomfort and hesitation.
On Rodgers, Gillis poked fun at the quarterback’s refusal to get vaccinated, saying, “Maybe he wasn’t right about everything.”
Gillis’ controversial joke clarified.
But the most explosive moment came when Gillis tied Trump, Epstein, and Mets star Juan Soto together in a single punchline.
“Donald Trump wanted me here to capture Juan Soto,” Gillis said, hinting at the swirling rumors about Epstein’s alleged client list.
This line landed at a tense moment, with Epstein’s files recently making headlines again, reviving public interest in high-profile names.
Gillis pressed on, channeling late comedian Norm Macdonald by referencing a classic ESPYs joke about O.J. Simpson.
He congratulated Travis Hunter for winning the Heisman Trophy.
Gillis’ homage struck a chord with those familiar with Macdonald’s legendary ESPYs hosting in 1998.
Reactions to Gillis’ Trump joke detailed.
The room’s energy shifted — some chuckled nervously, while others remained silent, processing the heavy implication.
One audience member booed loudly from the balcony, a moment that echoed around the theater.
The crowd’s reaction throughout the night was a patchwork — laughter, discomfort, boos, and silence all mingled together.
Some praised Gillis for his fearless approach, while others felt his jokes crossed the line into insensitivity.
On social media, viewers debated fiercely — some called him a “comedy genius,” others labeled the set “tone-deaf.”
ESPN took a gamble bringing Gillis to host; his edgy humor was sure to ignite conversation, but the backlash was predictable.
Critics questioned the network’s decision to place a comedian with a controversial past on such a prominent stage.
Supporters argued Gillis’ unfiltered style brought raw honesty and shock value that some viewers craved.
Whatever the verdict, the Trump-Epstein joke became the night’s defining moment — clipped, shared, and analyzed across platforms.
Gillis continues to cause controversy.
It wasn’t just a joke; it was a cultural flashpoint in a ceremony usually reserved for celebration and sportsmanship.
As for Gillis, he showed no sign of backing down — powering through boos and awkward silences with the confidence of a seasoned provocateur.
The 2025 ESPYs may be remembered less for the awards and more for Shane Gillis’ controversial monologue — a performance that lit up the internet and divided the crowd.