Mike Richards From 'Jeopardy!' Quits After Resurfaced Offensive Comment

 

CREDIT: Sony Pictures Television

Just nine days after being names permanent host of Jeopardy!, Mike Richards quit.

He sent a memo to staff announcing his departure after video clips of him making derogatory comments about women and other marginalised groups resurfaced.

"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 honoured 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."

"As such, I will be stepping down as host effective immediately. As a result, we will be cancelling production today."

CREDIT: foxnews.com

Richards is also an executive producer of the show, and has stated Sony Pictures Television will resume to find a new permanent host for Jeopardy!

"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."

"I want to apologise 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."

Richards was announced as permanent host on August 11th, nine months after the death of longtime host Alex Trebek.

Mayim Bialik has been asked to host Jeopardy! primetime and spinoff series, including Jeopardy! National College Championship. 

CREDIT: edition.cnn.com

The current controversy surrounding Mike comes from a podcast he hosted from 2013 to 2014, The Randumb Show. 

This was a behind-the-scenes look at his then workplace The Price Is Right.

The podcast had 41 episodes, and certain clips were released showcasing Richards making inappropriate comments about women including podcast co-host and former assistant Beth Triffon. He called her a "booth ho" and a "booth slut" when he discussed her work as a model for the CES Trade Show.

He also called her female friends "really frumpy and overweight." Beth said "no one's overweight" to which Richards replied "They look fat and not good in the picture. It's bad," referring to an image of Beth and her friends in one-piece swimsuits.

He has been reported to have made derogatory remarks towards little people and used a slur for people with mental disabilities, and has also made belittling remarks about people's economic status. 

He has commented tying Jewish people to big noses, which caused the Anti-Defamation League to prompt an investigation into his behaviour.

CREDIT: Jeopardy Productions, INC

"New 'Jeopardy!' host Mike Richards' disparaging remarks about Jews, women & Asians are no laughing matter. Stereotyping is an entry point to hate and his apology lacks acknowledgement of its harm. This reported pattern warrants an investigation."

After an article was published, Richards issued an apology saying, "It is humbling to confront a terribly embarrassing moment of misjudgement, thoughtlessness, and insensitivity from nearly a decade ago. Looking back now, there is no excuse, of course, for the comments I made on this podcast and I am deeply sorry."

"The podcast was intended to be a series of irreverent conversations between longtime friends who had a history of joking around. Even with the passage of time, it's more than clear that my attempts to be funny and provocative were not acceptable, and I have removed the episodes. My responsibilities today as a father, husband, and a public personality who speaks to many people through my role on television means I have substantial and serious obligations as a role model, and I intend to live up to them."

This is the second apology he has made in August. He has also recently denied allegations of workplace discrimination from his time at The Price Is Right where he allegedly told model Brandi Cochren after she revealed her pregnancy, "Go figure, I fire five models. What are the odds one of the ones that I keep gets pregnant?"

Brandi sued FremantleMedia North America and CBS in 2012, and won the dispute, gaining $7 million in damages.

Another The Price Is Right model Lanisha Cole accused Richards of wrongful constructive termination and retaliation in 2011. She accused Richards of treating her differently to other models causing her "great uncertainty" to remain on the show.

"The way in which my comments and actions have been characterised in these complaints does not reflect the reality of who I am or how we worked together on The Price Is Right."

The 38th season on Jeopardy! airs on September 13th.