Entertainment
Mike Richards steps down as Jeopardy! host after disparaging comments about women and Jews resurface
Mike Richards will not be hosting Jeopardy! (Picture: REUTERS)
Mike Richards will no longer host Jeopardy! just nine days after he was announced to become Alex Trebek’s permanent replacement.
Following backlash over unearthed disparaging comments he made about women, Jews and Haiti, the show’s executive producer has decided to step down from the role.
According to Deadline, he said in an internal memo: ‘Dear Team, It pains me that these past incidents and comments have cast such a shadow on Jeopardy! as we look to start a new chapter.
‘As I mentioned last week, I was deeply honored to be asked to host the syndicated show and was thrilled by the opportunity to expand my role. However, over the last several days it has become clear that moving forward as host would be too much of a distraction for our fans and not the right move for the show.’
He continued: ‘As such, I will be stepping down as host effective immediately. As a result, we will be canceling production today.
‘SPT will now resume the search for a permanent syndicated host. In the meantime, we will be bringing back guest hosts to continue production for the new season, details of which will be announced next week.’
The show’s executive producer was set to be the permanent replacement for iconic presenter Alex Trebek (Picture: Daytime Emmy Awards 2021 via Getty Images)
The TV presenter continued: ‘I want to apologize to each of you for the unwanted negative attention that has come to Jeopardy! over the last few weeks and for the confusion and delays this is now causing. I know I have a lot of work to do to regain your trust and confidence. Mike.’
More to come.
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