Shane Gillis’ Controversial ESPYs Monologue: Targeting the WNBA and Caitlin Clark — A Joke or Something Worse?

In one of the most polarizing moments of the 2025 ESPY Awards, comedian Shane Gillis made waves with a series of controversial jokes during his opening monologue that left the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood on edge, and sparked a firestorm of reactions online. Known for his unfiltered humor, Gillis pushed boundaries by targeting the WNBA, Caitlin Clark, and Cultural Issues, leaving audiences questioning whether his performance was just edgy comedy or something much more problematic. The fallout from his jokes has sent social media into a frenzy, with some praising his bravery, while others are demanding accountability. Let’s break down what happened, why it’s stirring so much controversy, and what it means for comedy and sports culture.

The Opening: A Joke About WNBA and Brittany Hicks

The night began innocuously enough, as Shane Gillis addressed the Dolby Theatre audience with a playful introduction to Brittany Hicks, a four-time WNBA All-Star.

“Four-time WNBA All-Star Brittany Hicks is here, everybody, give it up for Brittany,” Gillis said, with the audience responding with a polite round of applause. But then Gillis waited a beat, smirked, and followed up with the punchline that would take the night in a completely unexpected direction.

“I’m joking around, that’s my friend’s wife. I knew none of you knew WNBA players.”

The awkward pause that followed was palpable. The crowd’s initial applause faded into murmurs as they struggled to grasp the nature of the joke. While Hicks and her husband, comedian Matt McCusker, laughed it off, many in the audience were left uncomfortable by the joke’s implications—was it a clever commentary on pandering to celebrity culture, or was it a low blow at the expense of an entire league of athletes?

The social media reactions were mixed. Some called the joke brilliant, with one Twitter user claiming, “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.” Others saw it as an easy, low-hanging punch at the WNBA’s credibility, painting the league and its players as mere spectacle for laughs. The latter camp seemed to be in the majority, as critics accused Gillis of reducing female athletes to a punchline for a broader critique of the entertainment industry and its love for empty gestures.

Caitlin Clark Targeted Again: From Midwest Jokes to “Waffle House” Insults

Gillis didn’t stop with a jab at the WNBA. He turned his attention to Caitlin Clark, the Indiana Fever star and one of the most celebrated players in the WNBA, who has been involved in a variety of controversies over the course of her career.

First, Gillis attempted to draw parallels between himself and Clark, saying, “When Caitlin Clark retires from the WNBA, she’s going to work at a Waffle House so she can continue doing what she loves most—fist-fighting Black women.”

This statement quickly became the center of a heated debate. Some people felt it was a crude joke, poking fun at Clark’s competitive nature and history of dust-ups on the court, including her rivalry with Angel Reese. The comment about Clark working at a Waffle House was viewed as a particularly vicious way of mocking a high-profile athlete who had earned her reputation for both her skill and her intensity.

However, the joke didn’t just target Clark; it carried an undertone of racial insensitivity. By linking a Black woman to Waffle House and “fist-fighting,” many saw it as another unfortunate reinforcement of offensive stereotypes about Black women, as well as a cheap shot at the legitimacy of female athletes in general.

The WNBA, long criticized for not receiving the same level of respect and attention as men’s sports, is now dealing with the consequences of Gillis’ mocking remarks, which many feel diminish the value of its players and their accomplishments.

Gillis Goes Beyond the WNBA: Attacks on Aaron Rodgers, Trump, and Bill Belichick

Gillis’ controversial monologue didn’t stop at Clark or the WNBA. His unfiltered style extended to other prominent figures in the sports world, including Aaron Rodgers, President Donald Trump, Bill Belichick, and Juan Soto of the New York Mets. He made light of Rodgers’ vaccine skepticism, roasted Trump’s political history, and even took jabs at Belichick’s personal life, with humor that many fans and commentators felt crossed the line.

While Gillis has built his career on edgy humor that doesn’t shy away from pushing boundaries, this particular performance drew attention for its lack of nuance. What some may have seen as an attack on hypocrisy or absurdity was quickly dismissed by others as reckless, mean-spirited, and inappropriate.

As many of his critics noted, comedy is a delicate balance—especially when it crosses from satire into insult. As the night wore on, it became clear that this monologue would be one that Gillis would be remembered for, but not in the way he likely intended.

The Viral Fallout: Divided Opinions, Online Backlash

Within minutes of Gillis’ performance, clips of his most controversial jokes began circulating on TikTok, Twitter, and YouTube. As they racked up millions of views, the reactions were polarized.

Supporters of Gillis, often from the more right-wing spectrum, argued that he was simply doing his job—pushing boundaries and challenging the politically correct culture that has taken over public discourse. They saw it as another example of comedy daring to take on sacred cows of modern politics, from the left’s defense of athletes to the hypocrisy in mainstream media.

On the other hand, critics argued that Gillis’ brand of humor was outdated, offensive, and deeply harmful to the progress made in both sports and media. Some accused him of perpetuating harmful stereotypes about race, gender, and class in the name of humor, at the expense of a large group of people.

One prominent sports commentator noted, “Gillis took aim at the very athletes who have worked so hard to make a name for themselves. This isn’t comedy; this is just exploitation of marginalized voices for cheap laughs.”

The Bigger Conversation: Comedy, Satire, and the Boundaries of Humor

What Gillis’ ESPYS monologue has sparked is more than just a moment of controversy—it’s an ongoing conversation about the role of comedy in modern society and whether pushing boundaries is worth the potential harm it can cause. With social media amplifying every joke, comedians like Gillis are faced with navigating an ever-shrinking space for humor that doesn’t cause offense.

In a world where satire and political humor are more relevant than ever, the line between what’s funny and what’s harmful can be difficult to determine. The debate about the role of comedy in public life is far from settled, and Shane Gillis’ performance at the 2025 ESPYs serves as the latest flashpoint.

As audiences continue to react to the fallout, it’s clear that comedians, sports figures, and media networks will have to grapple with these complex questions for years to come.

Conclusion: The Lasting Impact of Gillis’ Controversial Jokes

At the end of the day, Shane Gillis’ performance at the 2025 ESPYs has drawn attention for all the wrong reasons. What was intended as a witty and daring monologue has sparked outrage, hurt feelings, and questions about the boundaries of humor in today’s world.

As the fallout continues to grow, it’s clear that Gillis’ brand of comedy has found itself at a crossroads—one that will force both fans and critics to reconsider what’s acceptable in the world of entertainment.

What do you think? Did Gillis cross the line, or was it just a joke? Let us know in the comments below!