The 2025 ESPYs took an unexpected comedic turn when host Shane Gillis delivered a biting monologue that skewered political figures and current events with his signature controversial humor. Gillis didn’t hold back, targeting prominent personalities like Donald Trump, Mike Pence, and various sports celebrities in his opening remarks.

In one particularly pointed joke, Gillis referenced Trump’s alleged plan to stage a UFC fight on the White House lawn, quipping, “Donald Trump wants to stage a UFC fight on the White House lawn. The last time he staged a fight in D.C., Mike Pence almost died”. The comedian’s timing and delivery drew mixed reactions from the audience.

Gillis also took aim at high-profile athletes and sports personalities, including NBA Commissioner Adam Silver, Yankees star Juan Soto, WNBA sensation Caitlin Clark, and NBA MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. One joke about Soto and Trump drew criticism for potentially racist undertones, highlighting the comedian’s provocative approach.

Perhaps most intriguing was Gillis’ meta-commentary on the Epstein files, where he sarcastically suggested a joke about the controversial documents had mysteriously “deleted itself”. This subtle reference underscored the ongoing intrigue surrounding the sensitive legal documents.

The monologue exemplified Gillis’ comedic style – pushing boundaries, challenging political correctness, and using sharp wit to comment on complex social and political dynamics. While some found the jokes hilarious, others questioned the appropriateness of certain remarks.

For comedy fans and cultural observers, Gillis’ performance at the ESPYs served as a provocative snapshot of contemporary humor, reflecting the ongoing tension between comedic freedom and social sensitivity.

Whether you found the jokes offensive or brilliant, one thing was clear: Shane Gillis wasn’t afraid to speak his mind on the biggest sports entertainment stage of the year.