Shane Gillis' ex-girlfriend Grace Brassel has accused the comedian of cheating on her and financially abusing her, as his controversial jokes about women's gym clothing on Saturday Night Live face renewed criticism.
The influencer made the allegations in a social media comment, sarcastically writing: 'you know what's classy? Him cheating on me and financially abusing me.' The allegations have renewed interest in the former couple's relationship, although they have not been independently substantiated.
TW Shane Gillis’ ex girlfriend states that he cheated on her and was financially abusive
by u/Carolina_Blues in popculturechat
Brassel's Allegations Against Gillis
Brassel's comment circulated in a screenshot shared on Reddit's Pop Culture Chat forum, where she appeared to respond to another social media user. Her remark accused Gillis of infidelity and financial abuse, bringing the claims into wider online discussion. The allegations remain unproven, and Gillis' response to them was sought through the right-of-reply process.
The couple began dating in July 2024, and their separation was reported in November 2025. They appeared together publicly at the 2025 ESPYS on 16 July, where Gillis hosted the ceremony, although reports indicated they had separated several months earlier. Their public appearance preceded the renewed attention surrounding Brassel's allegations.
On 5 October, Brassel shared an emotional social media post reflecting on a difficult relationship and its impact on her sense of identity. 'Last year I was in a relationship that fully stripped me of who I am,' she wrote, adding that she had been 'so terrified to even talk about what I went through' because of what she described as bullying from her former partner's fan base. She did not name Gillis directly in that post.
Subsequent reporting identified Gillis as the former partner Brassel was discussing. Her comments have renewed interest in her account of the relationship, but the allegations have not been independently substantiated. The claims should therefore be understood as allegations rather than established findings.
Gillis Faces Criticism Over Gym Clothing Joke
The allegations have surfaced as Gillis faces criticism for his opening monologue on Saturday Night Live on 10 October 2026, when he made derogatory remarks about women's gym attire. 'I haven't been to the gym in so long – I didn't know women just dress like whores now?' he said, before mocking the tight-fitting, brightly coloured shorts worn by some women exercising. His remarks drew criticism from public figures and social media users who argued that women should not be demeaned for their clothing choices.
Actor Dan Levy challenged the joke in an Instagram response, saying: 'Women wearing short shorts to the gym does not make them whores. It makes the men calling them whores misogynists. There's a difference there.'
Former SNL cast member Ego Nwodim also responded with a gym photograph captioned 'Whore reporting for duty,' using Gillis' language sarcastically. Both responses pushed the discussion beyond the original monologue and towards the way women are judged for their appearance.
Brassel appeared to respond to the controversy by sharing Levy's criticism on Instagram Stories alongside the caption 'ANYWAYS... y'all need anything from the store?'
She later posted a workout video titled 'Fully body workout for my h*es,' seemingly echoing Gillis' language. Her posts attracted further attention because of her past relationship with the comedian.
However, the criticism of Gillis' monologue and Brassel's allegations about their relationship are separate matters. The public response to his jokes does not establish the truth of the allegations, which remain unproven. Both issues have nevertheless brought renewed attention to Gillis and the debate surrounding his remarks about women.
Gillis was dropped from the Saturday Night Live cast in 2019 before his planned debut after recordings of racist and homophobic remarks resurfaced. He returned to host the programme in 2024 and 2025, with his latest appearance prompting another debate about comedy and the treatment of women.
