Shane Gillis causes uproar with Trump and Belichick jokes at ESPYs

In Los Angeles, on July 17, 2025, comedian Shane Gillis hosted the ESPY Awards and delivered a contentious monologue aimed at various figures in the sports realm, including President Donald Trump and renowned coach Bill Belichick. This event, known for celebrating athletic excellence, featured Gillis making jokes that sparked a mixture of laughter and disapproval from the audience. Notably, his humor included references to Trump's aspiration to organize a UFC fight at the White House, as well as a cheeky comment about the controversial figure Jeffrey Epstein, leading to some discontent among attendees. As the ceremony unfolded, one particular joke about Bill Belichick’s personal life drew significant attention, illustrating the risqué nature of Gillis' performance. Furthermore, Gillis made comments predicting Caitlin Clark's future career, which also raised eyebrows. Despite the mixed reactions, his performance symbolized a departure from typical award show decorum, aligning more closely with a roast format than a formal celebration of sports achievements. The ESPY Awards, created by ESPN, have served as a platform to honor outstanding athletic performances and also to raise awareness for cancer research through the V Foundation. This year's ceremony saw notable athletes receiving accolades, including Simone Biles and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, amidst Gillis’ comedy, which overshadowed the main purpose of the event: to celebrate sports. His return to the stage marks a significant point in his career following his controversial exit from *Saturday Night Live* in 2019 for previous offensive remarks. Gillis's choice of humor particularly reflected his background as a stand-up comic, and the success of his performance highlighted a growing trend in entertainment, where comedians push boundaries in the pursuit of humor. The audience at the Dolby Theatre responded in varied ways, which signifies the divided perceptions of humor in contemporary culture. Although some cheered, others voiced their disapproval, reigniting discussions around comedic responsibility and the acceptable limits of satire in public events.