Shane Gillis’ SHOCKING ESPYs Performance: Sarah Spain Calls Out Comedian for Offensive Jokes—Was It Really Just ‘Comedy’ or Something Worse?

In a moment that is quickly becoming one of the most talked-about incidents from the 2025 ESPY Awards, comedian Shane Gillis found himself at the center of a firestorm of controversy after his monologue as host. What was intended to be an evening of humor and celebration of athletic achievements quickly turned into a divisive spectacle that has left fans, critics, and even athletes themselves questioning the boundaries of comedy.

Gillis, known for his brash style and no-holds-barred humor, took direct aim at some of sports’ most prominent figures—including Megan Rapinoe, Caitlin Clark, and the WNBA. But it was the way in which he targeted these figures, particularly women in sports, that ignited a backlash from many, including sports commentator Sarah Spain. Spain, a former ESPN reporter, wasted no time in calling out both Gillis’ performance and the decision by the ESPYs to bring him in as host.

A Host Who Crossed the Line?

The controversy began when Gillis, in his opening monologue, aimed multiple jabs at Megan Rapinoe, the outspoken soccer star and social justice activist. Referring to Rapinoe’s absence from the show, Gillis quipped, “Nice that she’s not here.” When the crowd failed to respond to his comment, Gillis chuckled and continued, “No? We’re going to pretend that she’s a good time? Alright.”

For many in the audience, the joke landed with an uncomfortable thud. Megan Rapinoe, a champion for women’s rights, LGBTQ+ rights, and racial justice, has been a lightning rod for both support and criticism throughout her career. To target her in such a dismissive manner, especially on a platform that is meant to celebrate athletes, struck many as unnecessary and mean-spirited.

Sarah Spain, who has been an advocate for women’s sports and gender equality, was one of the first to call out Gillis for his comments. In a post shared early Thursday on X (formerly Twitter), Spain didn’t hold back in her criticism: “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 (he at least attempted for the men) he goes with hacky ‘no one knows the WNBA’ bits, ‘Pinoe is a bad time’ & repeatedly insults Black women. COOL.”

Spain’s post captured the frustration of many who felt that Gillis was not only disrespecting the achievements of women in sports but also diminishing the importance of their contributions to the world of athletics. Her comments, which quickly gained traction on social media, highlighted how Gillis’ jokes weren’t just about pushing boundaries—they crossed into territory that many saw as inappropriate and harmful.

The WNBA Joke: A Cheap Shot at Women’s Basketball?

But it wasn’t just Rapinoe who became a target for Gillis. The comedian also took aim at the WNBA, which has long faced criticism for its lack of mainstream recognition despite the incredible talent and achievements of its players. During his monologue, Gillis introduced Brittany Hicks, a businesswoman and the wife of comedian Matt McCusker, as a “four-time WNBA All-Star.”

As the crowd applauded, Gillis then revealed the punchline: “I’m just joking around. That’s my friend’s wife, I knew none of you knew WNBA players. That’s crazy you clapped for that.”

The awkwardness of the moment was palpable. While some in the crowd laughed along with the joke, others were left uneasy by Gillis’ casual dismissal of the WNBA and its players. To many, the joke wasn’t just about poking fun—it was about perpetuating the idea that women’s basketball isn’t worth taking seriously. And given that Brittany Hicks wasn’t actually a WNBA player, the joke came across as less about comedy and more about undermining the sport’s credibility.

The WNBA, like many women’s sports leagues, has long struggled with respect and recognition in the world of professional athletics. Gillis’ joke seemed to further push the notion that women in sports are not deserving of the same level of acknowledgment as their male counterparts. For those invested in the fight for equality in sports, this was a low blow.

The Political Divide: Is This About Comedy or Controversy?

Shane Gillis’ performance wasn’t just about targeting athletes—it was about navigating the ever-growing cultural divide in America. Gillis, who has built his career on edgy humor and often controversial jokes, was performing in front of an audience that was expecting an entertaining and memorable evening. But instead, his remarks appeared to deepen the already significant political and cultural rift within the country.

For some, Gillis’ brand of humor is a breath of fresh air in a time where political correctness often stifles comedy. His supporters argue that comedians like him should have the freedom to push boundaries and make jokes about sensitive subjects. On the other hand, critics argue that Gillis, by targeting marginalized groups and making jokes about topics such as race, gender, and sexual identity, is using his platform to perpetuate harmful stereotypes.

The Fallout: Has Gillis Alienated His Audience?

The backlash against Shane Gillis has been swift and intense, with many questioning whether his brand of humor still has a place in today’s entertainment world. While some fans have praised his irreverent style, others have expressed disappointment over his comments, calling for a more thoughtful approach to comedy. Social media has been flooded with reactions from both sides of the debate, highlighting just how divisive Gillis’ performance has become.

Some have gone as far as to accuse Gillis of turning the ESPYs into a “platform for his own political agenda,” while others have defended him, arguing that his jokes were just that—jokes, meant to entertain and not to harm. But the deeper issue remains: should comedy have no boundaries, or should comedians be held accountable for the impact their words have on society?

The Bigger Picture: Gender, Race, and Comedy in 2025

Gillis’ ESPYs performance is a microcosm of the broader debate surrounding gender, race, and comedy in 2025. As more voices demand equality in sports, entertainment, and beyond, the question becomes: how much room should there be for humor that critiques these movements, particularly when it comes at the expense of marginalized groups?

In the case of The ESPYs, an event meant to honor the best in sports, the comments made by Gillis were seen by many as undermining the very essence of the show—a celebration of athletic achievement. Instead of uplifting and celebrating the accomplishments of athletes like Megan Rapinoe, Caitlin Clark, and the WNBA, Gillis chose to make them the subject of mockery. And while comedy has long been used to challenge the status quo, it’s becoming increasingly clear that humor rooted in divisiveness may not be as welcome in mainstream media as it once was.

Conclusion: The Aftermath of a Controversial Moment

Shane Gillis’ performance at the 2025 ESPY Awards will likely go down as one of the most controversial moments in the event’s history. His jokes about Megan Rapinoe, Caitlin Clark, and the WNBA not only exposed the cultural divide within late-night entertainment but also sparked a larger discussion about the role of comedy in a politically charged environment.

For some, the humor was just that—humor. For others, it was a step too far. As the dust settles, the question remains: Can comedians continue to push boundaries in today’s world, or have we reached a point where some jokes simply aren’t worth the fallout?

What do you think? Was Shane Gillis’ performance at the ESPYs funny, or did it go too far? Share your thoughts below.