Kathy Griffin Labels Shane Gillis a 'Hack' Following SNL Monologue

Griffin, speaking to Page Six, drew parallels between Gillis and the broader sphere of podcast-driven comedians, specifically citing Joe Rogan’s influence. She dismissed the current wave of viral comics as interchangeable, suggesting their routines rely on outdated tropes about women that hold little relevance in contemporary society. The criticism centers on Gillis’ monologue, during which he questioned why women wear revealing clothing to the gym, using inflammatory language that drew both laughter and audible disapproval from the studio audience.

Beyond Griffin, the backlash has been swift. Schitt’s Creek actor Dan Levy publicly labeled the comments misogynistic, asserting that criticizing women’s exercise apparel reveals more about the speaker’s prejudices than the subjects themselves. SNL cast member Ego Nwodim also offered a pointed, sarcastic response on social media, mocking the comedian's framing of the issue.

Despite her harsh assessment, Griffin maintained that the principle of free expression remains paramount. She emphasized that while she finds Gillis’ jokes regressive, she defends his right to perform them—just as she defends the audience’s right to condemn them. Reflecting on her own career, Griffin noted that comedians must be capable of self-reflection. She admitted to using language in the past that she now finds indefensible, arguing that performers should evolve alongside shifting social norms rather than clinging to material that causes unnecessary harm.