The 2025 ESPY Awards may have been a celebration of sports excellence, but all anyone can talk about today is Shane Gillis’ no-filter opening monologue. The comedian, known for his sharp wit and often controversial humor, had the star-studded audience in fits of laughter — and occasional shock — as he roasted former President Donald Trump and made a pointed reference to the infamous Epstein files.
The annual ESPYs, held in Los Angeles, drew some of the biggest names in sports and entertainment. Olympic champions Simone Biles and Sunisa Lee, rugby star Ilona Maher, and chart-topping rapper Megan Thee Stallion — who made her red carpet debut with Golden State Warriors player Klay Thompson — were among the high-profile attendees. But despite the evening’s purpose of honoring athletic achievement, Gillis’ bold humor quickly became the night’s biggest talking point.
“The Last Time Trump Staged a Fight, Mike Pence Almost Died”
Gillis kicked off the show with a jab straight at Donald Trump, making fun of the former president’s rumored interest in hosting a UFC fight at the White House.
“Donald Trump wants to stage a UFC fight on the White House lawn,” Gillis began. “The last time he staged a fight in DC, Mike Pence almost died.”
The crowd erupted into laughter, though some attendees were caught on camera exchanging awkward glances — a typical reaction to Gillis’ humor, which thrives on pushing boundaries.
Epstein Files Controversy Gets a Punchline
The comedian then took aim at the ongoing controversy surrounding the Epstein files, which recently resurfaced in public discourse after the Trump administration backtracked on claims that a “client list” existed.
“There was supposed to be an Epstein joke here, but I guess it got deleted. Probably deleted itself, right? Probably never existed, actually. Let’s move on as a country and ignore that,” Gillis deadpanned, earning gasps and laughs in equal measure.
His comment was a clear nod to public frustration after the administration’s reversal, which contradicted earlier statements from former Florida attorney general Pam Bondi, who once claimed the list was on her desk. The government now insists no such list ever existed — fueling speculation of a potential cover-up.
Fans React: “Deadpan Delivery… Savage!”
Clips of Gillis’ monologue quickly went viral on Reddit, where fans praised his fearless approach.
- “That deadpan delivery… he nailed it,” wrote one fan.
- Another described his jokes as “savage and on point.”
- “Made me chuckle. Funny is funny,” added another viewer.
Some fans also joked that Trump might retaliate against Gillis, referencing the former president’s recent social media rant about Rosie O’Donnell, where he threatened to revoke her citizenship — something legal experts have confirmed is unconstitutional.
The Monologue That Overshadowed the ESPYs
While the ESPY Awards highlighted some of the most inspiring moments in sports, from Simone Biles’ gymnastics dominance to Ilona Maher’s rugby achievements, Gillis’ opening routine has arguably become the most talked-about moment of the night.
Whether you view him as a comedic genius or simply too controversial for a sports award show, one thing is clear: Shane Gillis isn’t afraid to cross the line and the internet can’t stop talking about it.
Also Read: Meet the New Link and Princess Zelda: First Look at The Legend of Zelda Live-Action Movie Casting
