New Jeopardy! host Mike Richards resigns over sexist remarks
- His decision to step down only nine days after getting the job comes amid reports of controversial comments on women and nudity he made on an old podcast
- Richards had been lined up to replace long-time host Alex Trebek, who died of cancer last year
Quiz show Jeopardy! was on the hunt for another new host Friday when Mike Richards resigned just nine days after getting the job.
Richards had been lined up to replace Alex Trebek, who died of cancer last year, but was a controversial choice because of his past involvement in employment discrimination lawsuits filed by women.
Days after he was appointed, reports emerged of disparaging comments about women that he made on a podcast eight years ago, heaping pressure on the 46-year-old and his bosses at Sony Pictures Television.
“It pains me that these past incidents and comments have cast such a shadow on Jeopardy! as we look to start a new chapter,” Richards said in a note to staff, seen by AFP.
“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.
“As such, I will be stepping down as host effective immediately. As a result, we will be cancelling production today.”