“I didn’t write this,” Shane Gillis quipped before launching into a controversial joke about Deshaun Watson—one that landed with an audible wave of disapproval from the audience.

The 37-year-old comedian hosted the 2025 ESPYs in Los Angeles on July 16 but seemed less than enthusiastic about delivering one particular punchline targeting the NFL quarterback.

“Alright, fine, I’ll do the joke. Just know—I didn’t write this,” Gillis prefaced, before dropping the line: “Please keep your hands where my eyes can see—that’s what they tell Deshaun Watson during a massage.”

The crowd responded with groans, prompting Gillis to double down on his deflection. “Trust me, I’m not a fan either. Swear to God, I didn’t even want to say it,” he added, shrugging off the backlash.

Actress Alison Brie followed his monologue, lightening the mood with a playful jab. “Wow, Shane really left me to clean up after that joke,” she joked, easing the tension.

The Backstory Behind the Joke

Watson has faced multiple allegations of sexual misconduct during massage sessions, though he has consistently denied any wrongdoing. In 2021, he addressed one of the earliest claims on X (formerly Twitter), calling it a money-driven ploy.

“I just learned about this lawsuit from a lawyer looking for headlines,” Watson wrote at the time. “I haven’t seen the details, but I know this: I’ve always treated women with respect. This isn’t about money for me—it’s about clearing my name.”

Despite 10 women filing criminal complaints, grand juries declined to indict Watson. The NFL later suspended him indefinitely after an investigation, though he reached a settlement and paid a $5 million fine. Another allegation surfaced in 2024, but the league reportedly found insufficient evidence to justify further discipline. Watson’s attorney, Tony Buzbee, confirmed a confidential settlement was reached in that case.