Shane Gillis' Ex Grace Brassel Joins 'Whore Shorts' Backlash With 'H*e Workout' Video After SNL Joke

Content creator Grace Brassel has posted a satirical workout video after comedian Shane Gillis drew criticism for joking about women's gym clothing during his latest appearance as host of 'Saturday Night Live.'

Brassel, who dated Gillis for around a year, described the routine as a 'full body workout for h*es.' After demonstrating several exercises, she drew attention to her gym shorts, echoing the online response to Gillis' remarks.

The video followed Gillis' opening monologue on 10 October 2026, when he said he had not been to the gym for some time and was surprised that women 'dress like whores now.' The comment prompted criticism from celebrities and former cast members, while women posted pictures and videos of their workout outfits in response.

Brassel Responds on Social Media

Brassel also directed attention to actor Dan Levy's criticism of Gillis through an Instagram Story. According to The Tab, she accompanied the post with the caption 'ANYWAYS... y'all need anything from the store?' She later shared a gym selfie with the caption 'FITCHECK!'

Her social media activity followed a post published on 5 October about a past relationship. Brassel wrote that the relationship had 'fully stripped me of who I am' and said she had been afraid to discuss her experience because of what she described as bullying from her former partner's fan base.

She said she wanted to show other women that recovery was possible. Although Brassel did not name Gillis directly in that post, subsequent reports identified him as her former partner.

The workout video came as women shared images of their gym clothing in response to Gillis' joke, with some using variations of the phrase 'whore shorts.'

Celebrities Criticise Gillis' Joke

Levy, co-creator and star of 'Schitt's Creek,' said in an Instagram video that women wearing short shorts to the gym did not make them 'whores.' He argued that the insult reflected on the men using it and called for more men to speak out against the objectification of women.

Former 'Saturday Night Live' cast members also responded. Cecily Strong shared a photograph of her Pilates outfit in a sarcastic post, while Ego Nwodim posted a gym photograph captioned 'Whore reporting for duty.' Actor Emily Meade tagged Gillis in a post challenging the assumptions behind his comments about women's clothing.

Actress Martha Plimpton also criticised the programme's decision-making culture. Referring to a documentary scene featuring men gathered in producer Lorne Michaels' office, she argued that more women should be involved in decisions about the show's content.

Gillis' Previous SNL Controversies

Gillis was hired as a cast member in 2019 but was dismissed before his first episode after recordings resurfaced in which he used racist and homophobic slurs. He returned as a host in 2024 and again in 2025, with both appearances attracting criticism over some of his material.

His 10 October appearance was his third time hosting the programme. Singer Rosalía performed as the musical guest.

As of 14 October, Gillis had not publicly responded to the criticism of his latest monologue or Brassel's social media posts, according to published reports.