Why was Shane Gillis cancelled? Controversy explored comedian tapped to host 2025 ESPY Awards

Renowned stand-up comedian and actor Shane Gillis, who is also a podcaster and widely known for hosting the Matt and Shane's Secret Podcast along with Matt McCusker, will be hosting the 2025 ESPY Awards. The 37-year-old began comedy in 2012 and gained significant attention and fame in 2016 after his podcast became immensely popular, which, as per reports, eventually became the most subscribed-to podcast in 2024 on Patreon.

Shane Gillis, who starred in TV shows like Bupkis alongside Pete Davidson and Joe Pesci, also played one of the leads in the Netflix original sitcom Tires, released in 2024, and was recently renewed for a second installment. The second season of the Netflix sitcom, which, besides Gillis, stars actors Steve Garben, Kiloh Fox, Stavros Halkias, and others, was recently released on June 5, 2025.

While Gillis now seems to be doing alright career-wise, the stand-up comedian/podcaster went through a rough time in 2019, when he was hired but was instantly terminated from SNL (Saturday Night Live). The Tires star was unfortunately cancelled when some of his 2018 non-politically correct videos from his podcast resurfaced on the internet, where he was seen cracking insensitive jokes and making comments that were racist, misogynistic, and homophobic.

As Gillis was unapologetic about what he said, according to Variety, the renowned comedian in one of the episodes of his podcast, while talking about New York's Chinatown, said:

"Let the f***ing ch***s live there."

In another episode, while discussing the Battle of Gettysburg with co-host McCusker, Gillis referred to the soldiers as "so gay" and even used the "F-slur". After he was cancelled, he took to social media and posted:

"I’m a comedian who was funny enough to get SNL. That can’t be taken away. I respect the decision they made. I’m honestly grateful for the opportunity."

Shane Gillis is set to host the 2025 ESPY Awards

The writer and producer of the sketch comedy series Gilly and Keeves, Shane, will be hosting the 2025 ESPY Awards, which is ESPN's annual award show that recognizes athletic achievements of individuals and teams.

The ESPY Awards, which began in 1993, will be held at the Dolby Theater in Los Angeles on July 16, 2025. Shane Gillis, in a statement to The Hollywood Reporter, regarding hosting the 2025 ESPY Awards, said:

Trending

"I’m excited to be at The ESPYs this year. I like sports, so this should be a good time."

The award show can also be streamed the next day on OTT platforms such as Hulu, ESPN+, and Disney+.

×

Was this article helpful?

Thank You for feedback