A Sharp Critique Across the Pond
In a surprising move, Saturday Night Live UK displayed no hesitation in challenging the American version of the popular variety show. During the broadcast on October 17, “Weekend Update UK” co-host Ania Magliano dedicated a segment to criticizing the U.S. production and specifically targeted its recent host, Shane Gillis.
The segment began with a joke regarding a ride operator at Munich Oktoberfest who was lauded for providing cycling shorts to female attendees to prevent “upskirting.” Transitioning from this, Magliano pivoted to address the controversy surrounding Gillis’ recent appearance on the U.S. show.
“Last week on SNL, comedian Shane Gillis also caused controversy by dropping the F-bomb. Oh Shane, you’re not allowed to say that, you stupid fing ct,” she remarked.
The uncensored comment drew enthusiastic laughter from the studio audience, even as the show simultaneously featured an official crossover where U.S. cast member James Austin Johnson reprised his Donald Trump impression alongside U.K. comedian George Fouracres.
The Controversy Surrounding Gillis’ Monologue
The pointed remarks follow a wave of backlash stemming from Gillis’ monologue on the American program a week prior. During his set, the 38-year-old comedian made derogatory comments regarding women’s gym attire, suggesting that modern gym wear is excessively revealing.
The remarks were swiftly denounced by various observers and public figures, who labeled the rhetoric as sexist. Among those speaking out was actor Dan Levy, who took to social media to challenge the comedian's perspective.
Public Response and Industry Criticism
Levy, known for his work on Schitt’s Creek, did not mince words regarding the implications of such commentary on national television. He argued that the language used by Gillis reflects a broader issue of misogyny.
“Women wearing short shorts to the gym does not make them whores,” Levy stated on Instagram. “It makes the men calling them whores misogynists.” He further emphasized that this is a societal problem, stating, “The more that men objectify women in the media, the more that other men see them as objects and treat them as objects.”
Levy’s condemnation was joined by other industry professionals, including former SNL cast member Ego Nwodim, marking a significant divide between the comedian's performance and the standards expected by his peers.