FridayOL

The 2025 ESPY Awards were meant to celebrate athletic achievement, but Shane Gillis’ opening monologue sparked fierce debate and drew criticism, particularly from the hosts of ABC’s “The View.” The comedian, known for his controversial stand-up routines, delivered a set that left many attendees and viewers feeling uncomfortable, prompting a swift and pointed reaction from the daytime talk show panel.

During a segment on Tuesday’s episode, the “View” hosts didn’t hold back, expressing their disappointment and concern over Gillis’ performance. Joy Behar was particularly vocal, stating, “That’s a mistake. A big mistake. You’re opening a show that’s supposed to honour athletes, and you’re doing a bit that’s divisive and frankly, not funny.”

The monologue, which reportedly included jokes about gender and race, was met with awkward silence and visible discomfort from some athletes in the audience. Social media exploded with opinions, with many users condemning Gillis’ material as insensitive and inappropriate for the occasion. Others defended his right to comedic freedom, sparking a wider conversation about the boundaries of humor and the responsibility of public figures.

Whoopi Goldberg, while acknowledging the importance of free speech, agreed that Gillis’ jokes missed the mark. “I understand that comedians push boundaries, but there's a difference between pushing boundaries and just being offensive,” she said. “This felt like the latter.”

Sunny Hostin added that the ESPY Awards have historically been a platform for celebrating diversity and inclusivity, and Gillis’ monologue undermined that message. “The ESPYs are about bringing people together, regardless of their background,” she explained. “His jokes felt like they were intentionally designed to divide.”

Sarah Haines chimed in, suggesting that the show’s producers should have been more mindful of the potential impact of Gillis’ performance. “It’s the responsibility of the producers to ensure that the entertainment aligns with the values of the event,” she stated.

The backlash against Gillis’ ESPY opening has reignited the debate about the role of comedy in addressing sensitive social issues. While some argue that comedians have a duty to challenge societal norms, others believe that humor should not come at the expense of marginalized groups. The “View” panel’s strong reaction underscores the importance of considering the impact of comedic material, particularly when it’s presented on a national stage.

This isn’t the first time Gillis has faced controversy. He was previously fired from Saturday Night Live shortly after being hired due to past offensive comments. His appearance at the ESPYs and the subsequent fallout highlight the ongoing challenges of navigating the complex intersection of comedy, politics, and social responsibility in today’s cultural climate.

The ESPY Awards, traditionally a celebration of athletic excellence, now find themselves caught in the crossfire of a heated cultural debate. Whether this controversy will have a lasting impact on Gillis’ career and the future of the ESPYs remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: the incident has sparked a much-needed conversation about the power and responsibility of comedic voices.