Shane Gillis sparks backlash with racist Caitlin Clark joke at ESYPS 2025

Shane Gillis’ Caitlin Clark Joke at ESYPS 2025 Draws Intense Backlash

The annual ESPYS is taking over social media. With comedian Shane Gillis taking this ESYPS 2025 stage as host, he quickly stirred controversy. Particularly, with a racially charged joke about WNBA superstar Caitlin Clark. The monologue, meant to entertain, instead ignited a firestorm that has dominated social media, reigniting debates around race, comedy, and responsibility.

Caitlin Clark’s Role and WNBA Context

Caitlin Clark, the 2024 No. 1 draft pick and 2025 WNBA Player of the Year, has drawn massive fan interest while navigating intense scrutiny. Her clashes with Angel Reese and Chennedy Carter became viral moments, but Clark herself has repeatedly shown sportsmanship and humility.

Critics argue that Gillis’ joke unfairly framed these rivalries as violent and racially charged. “Caitlin Clark has done nothing to deserve that. She only speaks well of everyone,” wrote one fan. The WNBA is one of the most diverse leagues in sports, and any commentary that pits its players along racial lines can be especially harmful.

Gillis’ joke also comes during a moment when women’s sports are under unprecedented public attention. For those invested in the WNBA’s growth, the monologue felt like a misstep rather than a punchline.

The Joke That Lit the Fuse

In front of a packed Dolby Theatre audience in Los Angeles, Gillis made a joke referencing Clark’s physical encounters on the court. He said:

“When Caitlin Clark retires from the WNBA, she’s going to work at a Waffle House so she can continue doing what she loves most: fist-fighting Black women.”

While some laughed nervously, others cringed, sensing the tension in the room. The remark, linking Clark’s competitive on-court rivalries—most notably with Angel Reese and Chennedy Carter—to violence and race, was widely viewed as offensive and unnecessary.

Clark was not in attendance at the ceremony, reportedly recovering from an injury sustained in a game the previous night. Her absence didn’t protect her from being the target of Gillis’ most controversial quip.

Swift Reactions Online: Outrage and Defense Collide

Social media platform X (formerly Twitter) erupted immediately following the monologue. The backlash was swift and loud:

• @Lisac55458405C: “@espn @ESPYS this joke is disgusting and uncalled for. You should be making a statement that you do not condone jokes of this nature. Do better. Caitlin Clark does not deserve this.”
• @ohnohedidnt24: “That Shane Gillis joke landed with a resounding thud. Awkward and racist.”
• @dom_lucre: “Hollywood comedian Shane Gillis is under backlash after telling this joke about Caitlin Clark and Black Women at the ESPY Awards.”

Others defended the comedian, citing his unfiltered comedic style:

• @JoshOnAir: “Shane was 100% on-brand and authentic to his act. And he was hilarious.”

This mix of condemnation and applause underscores the polarization around race and comedy—especially when it intersects with public figures like Clark.

Shane Gillis’ History of Controversy

This isn’t Gillis’ first brush with controversy. In 2019, he was hired and fired from Saturday Night Live within days after clips resurfaced of him using anti-Asian and homophobic slurs on his podcast. Gillis later apologized, calling himself a boundary-pusher with “bad misses.”

Despite the setback, he rebounded with Netflix comedy specials and a starring role in the hit series Tires. His 2023 special Beautiful Dogs gained critical acclaim—and criticism—for its unapologetic edge.

Still, the ESYPS gig marked a major step into the mainstream. For many, that made the Caitlin Clark joke even more egregious. Some questioned ESPN’s decision to hand Gillis the microphone.

ESPN’s Silence Draws Fire

So far, ESPN has made no official statement about the incident. But calls for accountability continue to build. Some viewers have accused the network of inviting controversy for clicks. Others believe the platform shouldn’t support comedians with Gillis’ track record, especially when hosting an event that celebrates athletes’ achievements.

• @Lisac55458405C: “ESPN keeps platforming stupid racist sh*t and pretending it’s for the culture. It’s for views.”

This growing chorus suggests that the conversation is far from over.

Awards Shows and Edgy Humor: A Risky Tradition

Gillis’ joke is part of a larger trend of comedians using awards shows to deliver shock value. From Ricky Gervais at the Golden Globes to Chris Rock at the Oscars, the formula often draws headlines—but also intense scrutiny.

Gillis himself invoked Norm Macdonald’s infamous 1998 ESYPS monologue, which included an O.J. Simpson joke. However, critics argue that Norm’s charm and wit made his jabs land differently. USA Today called Gillis’ joke a “thud,” lacking both cleverness and context.

In 2024, Serena Williams hosted the ESYPS and faced similar controversy for a misattributed Clark joke. The recurring backlash shows that viewers are increasingly less tolerant of offensive content, especially when it reinforces harmful stereotypes.

Race, Gender, and Public Responsibility

What makes this controversy so impactful isn’t just the joke itself—it’s the intersection of gender, race, and fame. The portrayal of Black women as aggressive and violent is a tired trope. Pairing it with a young white athlete, even in jest, reopens long-standing cultural wounds.

Supporters of Gillis argue that “comedy should be boundary-less,” but critics counter that words carry weight—especially when spoken from a global platform.

Comedians have always pushed the envelope, but as audiences become more diverse and vocal, the room for racially insensitive humor continues to shrink.

What’s Next for Shane Gillis and the ESYPS

Gillis continues to tour, and the backlash may boost his brand among those who oppose “cancel culture.” But it also cements his reputation as a polarizing figure.

ESPN’s response—or lack thereof—could shape how the network is perceived moving forward. Will they address the controversy? Or wait for it to blow over?

Caitlin Clark, meanwhile, remains focused on basketball. But her name is once again being dragged into conversations she didn’t ask to be part of.

Final Takeaway

Shane Gillis’ distasteful joke, serves as more than a misfired punchline—it reflects ongoing tensions between comedy, race, and responsibility. As public figures continue to toe the line between edgy and offensive, audiences are no longer willing to stay silent. They expect more—especially when it comes to how women and communities of color are portrayed on the biggest stages.