Martha Plimpton Criticizes Lorne Michaels Over Shane Gillis' SNL Monologue

Actress Martha Plimpton has publicly criticized "Saturday Night Live" creator Lorne Michaels, asserting that he "needs more women" involved in decision-making processes at the sketch comedy show. Plimpton's comments came in response to a monologue delivered by recent SNL host Shane Gillis, which she described as "really f--king stupid."

In an Instagram post on Tuesday, Plimpton, known for her roles in "East of Eden" and "The Goonies," recounted watching a documentary about "SNL." She observed a scene where individuals gathered in Michaels' office to decide which segments would be cut and which would air live. Plimpton stated that, based on her recollection from a documentary filmed approximately three years prior, the room was filled exclusively with "all white men. And maybe even all straight white men."

She further elaborated that there were "no women, no people of color" in the decision-making group shown in the documentary. Plimpton suggested that the inclusion of more diverse perspectives, particularly women, could influence the show's content.

Plimpton also addressed Gillis' specific remarks, including a joke comparing women's gym shorts to "artificial bait." While admitting she was unfamiliar with Gillis before his hosting gig, Plimpton stated he "deserve[d] a spanking from his mama" for his comments. Representatives for Gillis and Michaels did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

Michaels, who created "SNL" in 1975, has previously addressed the show's diversity. In 2013, he told the Associated Press that casting a Black female comedian was a priority and "will happen." He also told NPR in 2015 that while the show had been "breaking those barriers from the very beginning," it was "more complicated than putting together a rainbow coalition."

The backlash to Gillis' monologue has extended to other celebrities. Former "SNL" cast member Ego Nwodim posted on Instagram, referencing Gillis' joke about women "dress[ing] like whores" at the gym. Country singer Maren Morris also shared a video on Instagram, asking Gillis to "leave [her] gym short wedgie out of it." Actor Dan Levy called Gillis a "misogynist" in a video post, arguing that the objectification of women in media contributes to them being treated as objects.

However, not all public figures have condemned Gillis's performance. Radio host Bobby Bones praised the monologue on his podcast "25 Whistles," interpreting the joke about gym shorts as a reference to fishing lures and suggesting that those who didn't find it funny might not be familiar with Southern culture or fishing.