Bobby Bones Defends Shane Gillis' Controversial SNL Monologue
The radio host stated he found the comedian's jokes 'pretty funny' and respected the risks taken.
Radio host Bobby Bones has voiced his approval of Shane Gillis' recent "Saturday Night Live" monologue, stating that he found the material "pretty funny" for the most part and admired the comedian for taking risks. Bones shared his thoughts on the October 13 episode of his podcast, "25 Whistles with Bobby Bones."
Gillis, who hosted "SNL" on October 12, faced criticism for remarks made during his opening monologue. He commented on women's gym attire, describing it as "neon" and comparing the fabric color to "artificial bait." He also made a remark about the fit of the clothing.
Bones specifically highlighted the joke about gym shorts, calling it "so funny." He explained that in a now-deleted TikTok video, he suggested that those who didn't understand the joke might not be from the South or have fishing experience. The radio host also mentioned that his growing hair led some to question his gender identity in response to his comments.
Gillis' monologue also included an uncensored use of the F-word during a sketch, for which he later apologized. This appearance marked Gillis' return to "SNL" after being fired in 2019, shortly after his hiring, due to past use of racial and homophobic slurs on a podcast. He was re-hired as a host in 2026.
The comedian's remarks about women's gym wear drew immediate backlash. "Schitt's Creek" star Dan Levy criticized Gillis on Instagram, calling the monologue "misogynist" and stating that women wearing short shorts to the gym does not make them "whores," but rather that men who label them as such are misogynists. Levy urged men to actively defend women against such comments.
"SNL" alum Ego Nwodim and singer Maren Morris also responded humorously to Gillis' monologue. Nwodim posted on her Instagram Stories referring to herself as a "whore reporting for duty" while working out. Morris shared an Instagram Reel where she gave Gillis the middle finger, captioning it "me being a whore at the gym" and adding, "leave my gym short wedgie out of it."