Whoopi Goldberg ROASTS Shane Gillis After His Controversial ESPYs Performance—The SHOCKING Backlash You Won’t Believe!

In a fiery exchange that has left the internet divided, The View co-host Whoopi Goldberg didn’t hold back in roasting comedian Shane Gillis after his recent controversial performance as host of the 2025 ESPY Awards. Known for his sharp wit and no-holds-barred humor, Gillis took the stage at the star-studded event, but what was meant to be a lighthearted opening quickly turned into a divisive moment that had viewers and fellow celebrities reeling.

Gillis’ monologue included sharp jabs at Aaron Rodgers’ vaccine stance, a humorous take on Bill Belichick and Jordon Hudson’s 48-year age gap, and even controversial remarks about the late Jeffrey Epstein. His delivery has sparked massive debates online, with some fans laughing hysterically while others found his jokes offensive and inappropriate. But it was Goldberg, known for her sharp-tongued commentary, who delivered a scathing take on Gillis’ performance that’s stirring up even more controversy.

Whoopi Goldberg’s No-Holds-Barred Take

During a Hot Topics segment on today’s episode of The View, Goldberg didn’t mince words when discussing Gillis’ performance. She emphasized that the first five minutes of any award show are crucial for the host to engage the audience, but after that, people simply want to know if they’ve won. According to Goldberg, Gillis missed the mark in reading the room and ultimately left many in the audience feeling uncomfortable.

“The first five minutes [of an award show] are for you, whoever the host is,” Goldberg said. “The rest of that time, people want to know: did I win? That’s what they want to know.”

Goldberg’s criticism didn’t stop there. She pointed out that while Gillis might be well-liked by his established fanbase, his humor didn’t translate well to the diverse and high-profile audience at the ESPYs. In her usual straightforward manner, Goldberg delivered a pointed remark that left no room for interpretation.

Joy Behar and Alyssa Farah Griffin Weigh In

Comedian Joy Behar echoed Goldberg’s sentiments, agreeing that Gillis’ humor seemed out of place for the prestigious event. But it was The View co-host Alyssa Farah Griffin who introduced a deeper layer to the conversation by pointing out that Gillis is known for pushing the envelope with his comedy, which often caters to a very specific audience. She mentioned that Gillis has built a strong following in the “manosphere,” a term that refers to a subculture of men, particularly straight white men, who often engage in humor that leans into outdated stereotypes and sometimes controversial or offensive jokes.

“Shane Gillis is part of the manosphere comedy,” Griffin explained. “He’s in a crowd where a lot of MAGA guys follow him. The people who follow him definitely knew that joke and they are definitely mad about Epstein.”

While Griffin’s point added depth to the conversation, it also brought more attention to the cultural divide surrounding comedy today. On one side, fans of Gillis argue that his humor is just that—humor—meant to push boundaries and make people laugh. On the other side, critics, including Goldberg and Behar, argue that jokes that target sensitive issues like Epstein, or perpetuate dated stereotypes, only serve to reinforce harmful ideologies.

The “Manosphere” Explained: Is It Just “Straight Men Humor”?

As Griffin continued to explain the concept of the “manosphere” to her co-hosts, the conversation took a turn towards a more socially conscious discussion about the culture of comedy in 2025. Behar, ever the straight-shooter, asked if this “manosphere” was exclusive to white men, to which Griffin quickly clarified that while the term typically refers to straight men, it’s not limited to race.

“Is it only white men?” Behar asked, to which Griffin responded, “No, but it is straight men. It’s straight men humor.”

Goldberg, who had been listening intently, couldn’t help but deliver a subtle dig at Gillis and the “manosphere.” In her classic style, Goldberg said, “Straight guys were always funny. When I was a kid, they were always funny. They were always funny. But I guess white guys have changed.”

Her comment, though lighthearted, carried a deep critique of the way some comedic voices have evolved over the years—and perhaps a nod to the fact that humor is no longer the same as it once was. While “straight men humor” may have once been mainstream, Goldberg seemed to imply that comedy must now consider broader perspectives and be more sensitive to the times.

The Internet Erupts: #GillisFail and Divided Opinions

As the segment aired, social media exploded. On Twitter and other platforms, fans of Gillis rushed to his defense, insisting that his style of comedy is precisely what makes him unique in today’s media landscape. One user tweeted, “Shane Gillis is a comedic genius. He’s unafraid to tell the jokes no one else will, and that’s why we love him.”

Meanwhile, others sharply criticized him, calling his humor outdated and divisive. A tweet from a prominent entertainment critic read, “Gillis’ performance at the #ESPYS was a masterclass in why we need to evolve as a society. Making jokes about Epstein and age gaps is not edgy—it’s irresponsible.”

A Deep Divide: Comedy, Free Speech, and Accountability

This moment has sparked a larger discussion about the role of comedy in the political and social climate of 2025. On one hand, humor is a means of pushing boundaries and encouraging dialogue, but on the other hand, it must be balanced with respect for the sensitivities of different communities.

For comedians like Gillis, pushing limits is part of their identity, but for others, like Goldberg and Behar, humor must evolve with the times. As the entertainment industry becomes more conscious of its impact on societal norms, the question remains: when does edgy humor cross the line into harmful rhetoric?

What’s Next for Gillis and the Future of Comedy?

For now, the debate over Shane Gillis’ performance at the ESPYs is far from over. Whether he will continue to alienate audiences with his boundary-pushing humor or adapt to the evolving standards of comedy remains to be seen. The internet’s polarized reaction shows just how deep the divide is between different generations and political affiliations.

One thing is clear: in today’s world, the line between what is considered “acceptable” comedy and what is deemed “harmful” continues to shift. As audiences become more vocal about what they find offensive or in poor taste, comedians like Gillis will be forced to rethink their approach—or risk facing a backlash that could redefine their careers.

For The View co-hosts, their comments on Gillis’ performance have only intensified the ongoing debate about free speech, humor, and accountability in modern comedy. This viral moment is a testament to how deeply humor can impact society—and how far the boundaries of comedy have stretched in a time of heightened political and social sensitivity.

Stay tuned, because the controversy over Gillis’ comedy is just beginning.