Travis Kelce has drawn online criticism after liking Shane Gillis’ controversial opening monologue on Saturday Night Live.(Getty Images)
The comedian hosted the show on October 9, and several viewers took issue with jokes about women’s clothing. The NFL star has spoken about his love for the show and described hosting it in 2023 as a dream come true. Because of the backlash surrounding Gillis’ remarks, turning a small social media action into a wider talking point, kelce’s interaction with the clip drew attention.
The Kansas City Chiefs tight end has not publicly explained why he liked the video, leaving fans to debate what, if anything, the interaction says about his views. You’ve seen the shorts?” he said. Former SNL cast member Ego Nwodim and actor Dan Levy also publicly criticized Gillis, according to Heavy.
Travis Kelce is no stranger to Saturday Night Live. He also follows the program’s official Instagram account, making his interaction with Gillis’ monologue a notable detail for viewers tracking the online reaction. The clip featured Gillis making jokes about women’s clothing, including one remark that drew sharp criticism. “I haven’t been to the gym in so long, I didn’t know women just dress like whores now. Look, I’m sorry, there’s no other way to describe [it]. Have you seen it? I’ve seen it. Some viewers considered the material misogynistic, and the response extended beyond social media users. Kelce’s like brought him into a discussion that was already gaining momentum. Some fans questioned his decision, with reactions appearing on TikTok, Reddit and Threads. One Threads user wrote, “Even the ones you think are good ones, aren’t 😑 This was poor choice for Mr. Swift to make. The criticism shows how quickly an interaction on a public account can become a story of its own, particularly when it involves a celebrity whose personal life attracts considerable attention. There is also a prior link between the two men. That connection adds context to the online discussion, although it does not establish why Kelce liked the video.
Gillis made a surprise appearance at Kelce’s Tight End University summit in June, months before the comedian’s latest SNL appearance. Travis Kelce is facing criticism online after liking a video of Shane Gillis ’ opening monologue on Saturday Night Live.
Stay updated with the latest Asian Games 2026 news , check the Asian Games medal tally and complete Asian Games schedule . The distinction is important. Liking a clip does not necessarily mean someone agrees with every joke in it, and Kelce has not offered an explanation that would settle the question. The public response, however, has made the interaction difficult to separate from the controversy around Gillis’ performance. Join conversation Share your thoughts in the comments Be respectful · TOI community guidelines For Kelce, the immediate issue is not a statement he made about the monologue, but the attention drawn by an action on Instagram. Until he addresses it himself, claims about his intentions remain speculation. The online debate may continue, but the available evidence establishes only that he liked the clip and that some viewers objected to the jokes it contained. Get the latest Sports News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.