Shane Gillis says he promised 'no controversy' before SNL monologue that sparked backlash

Comedian Shane Gillis has said he promised the producers of Saturday Night Live (SNL) there would be "no controversy" before delivering a monologue that sparked a backlash over his jokes about women's revealing gym attire.

Speaking on The Joe Rogan Experience podcast, Gillis said SNL producers do not approve his monologue in advance. "Not to defend SNL, they don't approve it. I mean, they could shut it down," he said.

"But you don't write your set and give it to them," he added. "Unless you're not a comedian. I'm sure non-comics, they write the set for them. They have writers that write the monologue for them."

He said that when producers asked what was going on with the monologue, he told them it was not great but that he was not saying anything bad. "I'm giving you a solid C-minus of a monologue, but I promise there's no controversy. I'm calling myself fat for 10 minutes. That's it," he said.

Gillis, 38, drew criticism from actor Dan Levy and former SNL cast member Ego Nwodim, among others, after joking during his October 10 hosting appearance about the way women dress at the gym.

SNL cast member Michael Che, however, shrugged off Gillis's monologue joke, saying that is comedy.

Jason Mudd, chief executive of Axia Public Relations, told Fox News Digital that if Gillis were his public relations client, he would advise him to acknowledge the people who were offended before he explains his intent.

"The people who book his next gig may not hear the podcast," Mudd said. "They tend to watch how he handles the aftermath." He added that if Gillis wants as many opportunities as possible he might need to pivot, while noting that if he does not care, staying himself may be on brand for him.

Comedian Carvey said on the Fly on the Wall podcast with David Spade that he did not understand the controversy and viewed Gillis's remarks as a joke.