Daytime talk show The View is once again under fire—this time for sparking outrage after mocking comedian Shane Gillis during a recent episode. What began as a routine conversation about comedy and cancel culture quickly ignited a firestorm, leaving many viewers furious and demanding accountability.

The controversy started when the hosts discussed Gillis’ unexpected rise following his controversial firing from Saturday Night Live in 2019. Though Gillis was dropped over resurfaced clips containing offensive jokes, he has since built a loyal fanbase and achieved considerable success in stand-up comedy.

But when the panel began dissecting his return, the conversation turned sharply judgmental.

Joy Behar sarcastically questioned whether “offensive equals funny now,” while Sunny Hostin dismissed Gillis’ popularity as “a symptom of how low the bar has gotten for comedy.” The most inflammatory remark came from Sara Haines, who chuckled while saying, “Maybe getting canceled is the best career move you can make these days—if you’re a straight white guy.”

That line didn’t just sting—it ignited.

Within hours of the episode airing, social media exploded with criticism. Viewers accused the hosts of targeting Gillis unfairly and using him as a punching bag for cheap applause. Many argued that the show’s tone was less about holding comedians accountable and more about shaming someone who’s already paid the price and found a second chance.

Fans of Gillis rushed to his defense, highlighting how he had addressed the backlash years ago and evolved since then. “They’re trying to rewrite his entire career as if he didn’t already take the hit,” one user posted. “This is exactly why people are tired of mainstream media.”

A wave of online anger quickly turned into a movement, as hashtags like #BoycottTheView and #StandWithShane began trending. Dozens of high-profile personalities in the comedy world chimed in, with some accusing The View of hypocrisy—calling for forgiveness in some cases while refusing it in others.

Even those who didn’t necessarily agree with Gillis’ past jokes argued that he didn’t deserve to be mocked on national TV years after the fact.

“He was fired. He apologized. He moved on. Maybe the ladies of The View should too,” said comedian Tim Dillon in a viral post.

ABC has not released a formal response to the growing calls for a boycott, but the backlash has undoubtedly rattled the network. According to an anonymous source close to the production, internal conversations have already begun about whether the segment went too far—and whether an on-air clarification or apology might be necessary.

This latest controversy adds to the growing list of cultural firestorms The View has weathered in recent months. From explosive in-fighting among co-hosts to clashes with celebrity guests, the once-groundbreaking daytime show seems to be caught in a cycle of outrage and repair.

The question many are now asking is: has The View crossed the line from bold to bullying?

In an age where audiences are more divided than ever, and social media can amplify every misstep, even a moment of careless commentary can spiral into reputational crisis. And with The View‘s latest jab at Shane Gillis, the line between critical discussion and personal mockery may have just been crossed.

Whether the show will address the backlash—or double down—remains to be seen. But one thing is clear: viewers are watching, and this time, they’re not laughing.