Shane Gillis Turns Heads at the ESPYs with Controversial Monologue

Shane Gillis had the crowd at the 2025 ESPYs in stitches—and some scratching their heads—after a bold set of jokes that turned the Dolby Theatre into a whirlwind of reactions.

The WNBA Joke that Stole the Show

During his performance, Gillis poked fun at the WNBA, specifically introducing Brittany Hicks, a four-time WNBA All-Star. What was expected to be a respectful introduction quickly turned into something much bolder.

“Four-time WNBA All-Star Brittany Hicks is here, everybody, give it up for Brittany,” Gillis exclaimed, leading the audience to respond with polite applause.

He then added, “I’m joking around, that’s my friend’s wife. I knew none of you knew WNBA players,” igniting a wave of mixed reactions.

Audience Reactions

The crowd’s response was uncertain—awkward murmurs filled the theater, though Hicks and her husband, comedian Matt McCusker, clearly found the humor in the moment. On social media, reactions varied widely:

• Positive Feedback: A user on X (formerly Twitter) exclaimed, “Using your best friend’s wife to set up a joke about a fake WNBA player to call out an entire audience for pandering is perhaps the best executed joke of all time.” This post alone garnered 48,000 likes.
• Criticism: Others, however, were less impressed, with one user stating, “Punching down is never funny,” while another simply said, “That’s not funny. Like, at all.”

More Controversy: Jokes About Caitlin Clark

But Gillis didn’t stop there. He also directed his humor towards Caitlin Clark, the star player expected to make waves in the league. His remarks included:

• Comparing himself to Clark, saying they’re both “whites from the Midwest who have nailed a bunch of 3s.”
• Making a contentious comment that Clark might work at a Waffle House post-retirement—to continue “fist fighting Black women.”

These remarks ignited further debate about the appropriateness of jokes in today’s cultural climate.

A Broad Spectrum of Targets

Gillis didn’t limit his commentary to the WNBA or Clark; he took aim at various figures in sports and politics alike, including:

• Aaron Rodgers
• President Donald Trump
• Bill Belichick
• Juan Soto, the star player for the New York Mets

His set was a tapestry of humor, ranging from the hilarious to the provocative, leaving audiences divided.

Conclusion

Shane Gillis certainly made an impact with his performance at the 2025 ESPYs. Whether applauded or criticized, his ability to spark conversation is undeniable. While some have hailed his delivery as one of the best in award show history, others have raised concerns about the boundaries of comedy.

As the debate continues, people are left wondering: what’s the line between humor and controversy? For more insights on stand-up comedy and its implications in today’s society, check out sources like The Humor Research Lab and The Comedy Bureau.