Comedian Shane Gillis has been announced as the host for the 2025 ESPY Awards, a role that is stirring up discussions about his past controversies among fans and critics alike. Scheduled to air live on Wednesday, July 16, at 8 PM ET/PT, the show recognizes significant achievements in the sports world.
At 37, Gillis has risen to prominence in the comedy scene over recent years, not without facing significant backlash. His career took a controversial turn in 2019 when he was cast on “Saturday Night Live” but was quickly let go due to a resurfaced podcast clip from 2018 that featured him using an anti-Asian slur and making disparaging remarks. Following the incident, he issued an apology, claiming that his comedic style often pushes boundaries and insisting that it was never his intention to offend.
Despite the controversies, including jokes that have drawn criticism for being in poor taste — such as comments about family members with disabilities — Gillis has not seen a dip in his career trajectory. He has continued to tour nationwide and released a successful Netflix special titled “Shane Gillis: Beautiful Dogs” in 2023. Moreover, he co-created the sitcom “Tires,” which had its second season premiere on June 5.
Gillis’s upcoming hosting stint at the ESPYs may present an opportunity for him to leverage his experiences and push his comedic boundaries in a new way. Furthermore, his resilience in the comedy industry demonstrates that he has managed to cultivate a loyal following despite facing backlash.
The reactions to his past and his current endeavors reveal a complex relationship between comedy, public perception, and the ability to navigate controversies while maintaining professional success. As Gillis steps into the role of hosting the ESPYs, it will be interesting to see how audiences respond and whether he can channel his experiences into a meaningful celebration of sports.