8/31/21 Update: Mike Richards, who stepped down as the new host of “Jeopardy!” earlier in August, has been ousted as the show’s executive producer as well. According to a memo to staff, he is also no longer the executive producer of “Wheel of Fortune”. Sony produces both shows.
“We had hoped that when Mike stepped down from the host position at Jeopardy! it would have minimized the disruption and internal difficulties we have all experienced these last few weeks,” an executive with both game shows said in the memo. “That clearly has not happened.”
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Original Story (8/20/21): “Jeopardy!” executive producer and recently-named host Mike Richards announced in a note to the show’s staff he will step down from his hosting position Friday.
“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,” Richards said in the note. “As such, I will be stepping down as host effective immediately. As a result, we will be canceling production today.”
A report on the website The Ringer this week revealed demeaning comments Richards made about women, the homeless and others. The comments came from a 2013-14 podcast. Clips from the podcast were removed online after the report was posted.
“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,” Richards said. “I know I have a lot of work to do to regain your trust and confidence.”
There was also controversy surrounding the selection of Richards from the start, as doubts grew over the fairness of the selection process. Reports found holes in Richards’ repeated assertion that the decision was Sony’s and he had no role in it.
In the note, Richards said a search for a new host will begin again. Guest hosts will return to continue production for the new season. Taping for that new season had been set to begin this week, with the first episode of the new season starting Sept. 13.
Richards’ latest controversy brings renewed attention to his 2009-18 tenure as a producer on “Let’s Make a Deal.” Several lawsuits had been filed by former models against the show. Those lawsuits alleged discriminatory behavior. One of the lawsuits named Richards as a defendant. He was reportedly dropped from the lawsuit before a settlement was reached.
AP
