Joe Rogan dismisses SNL backlash over Shane Gillis gym joke as 'word police' going after 'a great guy'

Joe Rogan has backed comedian Shane Gillis against misogyny accusations after Gillis sparked liberal fury by joking on his SNL hosting debut that women at the gym "dressed like whores." Speaking on 'The Joe Rogan Experience' Thursday, Rogan argued the joke was self-deprecating — the punchline being Gillis lurking awkwardly in the background of women's TikToks. Rogan insisted real misogyny exists but said Gillis is not part of it: "He's a great guy. It's just a joke."

SNL 'Weekend Update' anchor Michael Che also shrugged off the row, telling Today: 'That's comedy — you think it's funny and some people don't.'

Che faced his own backlash after fans accused him of refusing to stand up for women, with critics noting he had previously called out Kanye West.

The White House has waded into the row, with the Trump administration weighing in on the SNL controversy.