Comedian Shane Gillis Sparks ESPYs Controversy with Jokes on Trump, Athletes

Comedian Shane Gillis sparked controversy as the host of the 2025 ESPYs Awards, delivering a monologue filled with edgy jokes targeting prominent figures such as President Donald Trump, WNBA star Caitlin Clark, and NFL personality Shedeur Sanders. His jokes, which included references to Trump’s idea of hosting a UFC fight on the White House lawn and jabs at Sanders’ college football career and jersey retirement, elicited mixed reactions from the audience, ranging from laughter to uncomfortable silence and boos. Gillis also referenced sensitive topics like the Jeffrey Epstein files, further intensifying the divisive tone of his performance. Despite his history of contentious remarks, including his 2019 firing from Saturday Night Live, Gillis showed no hesitation in pushing boundaries during the event. The Mets star Juan Soto was also mentioned in a joke about his non-U.S. citizenship, which was met with silence and some booing from the crowd. Overall, Gillis’ hosting set a provocative tone for the ESPYs, drawing both criticism and conversation across social media and within the venue.