Shane Gillis Blames ESPYs Writers for DeShaun Watson Massage Joke: ‘Didn’t Write This’

DeShaun Watson and Gillis' ESPY Moment

Shane Gillis made it clear: the controversial joke about DeShaun Watson at the 2025 ESPYs wasn’t his idea.

While hosting the awards show in Los Angeles on July 16, the 37-year-old comedian jokingly hesitated before diving into a bit about Watson, the former Houston Texans quarterback. Initially, Gillis said he wanted to “skip that joke,” but eventually, he took the stage and delivered it, albeit reluctantly.

Gillis reluctantly delivered the joke about DeShaun Watson, saying, “I didn’t write this,” and joked, “Please keep your hands where my eyes can see.” When the crowd didn’t respond well, he quickly blamed the ESPY writers, adding, “I swear to God, I didn’t want to tell it.”

Alison Brie lightened the mood, saying, “I mean, not Shane Gillis making me walk out after that joke.”

The Watson joke, which made headlines, circles back to the former NFL star's controversial past. In 2021, Watson faced accusations of sexual assault from several massage therapists, including Ashley Solis, who filed a civil lawsuit claiming Watson exposed himself and intentionally touched her hand with his genitals. Over 20 other women soon came forward with similar allegations, resulting in multiple lawsuits.

Despite these claims, Watson maintained his innocence. “I’ve never treated any woman with anything other than the utmost respect,” he wrote in a post on X in 2021, rejecting a six-figure settlement demand from the plaintiffs' lawyer. He continued, “Unlike him, this isn’t about money for me—it’s about clearing my name, and I look forward to doing that.”

Texas grand juries declined to indict Watson, but the NFL imposed an 11-game suspension and a $5 million fine. Watson later apologized, saying, “I’m truly sorry to all the women I’ve impacted.”

Gillis faced controversy in 2019 when old racist and homophobic podcast comments led SNL to fire him, admitting a flawed vetting process.

Despite the fallout, Gillis defended himself, saying, "I’m a comedian who pushes boundaries. I sometimes miss... My intention is never to hurt anyone."

Since then, Gillis has bounced back, even returning to SNL to host twice, proving that a scandal doesn’t always mean the end of a career.