Mike Richardsis stepping down from theJeopardy!podium — just nine days after he was named the new permanent host of the iconic quiz show.
Mike Richards.Carol Kaelson/Jeopardy Productions
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Richards, who is also an executive producer onJeopardy!, added that Sony Pictures Television will resume the search for a new permanent host for the syndicated show. “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,” he said.
“I want to apologize to each of you for the unwanted negative attention that has come toJeopardy!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 concluded.
A rep for Sony did not respond to PEOPLE’s request for comment.
Mike Richards.Daytime Emmy Awards 2021 via Getty Images
Sony Pictures Television firstannouncedthat Richards had been selected asJeopardy!’s permanent host on Aug. 11, about nine months after longtime hostAlex Trebek’s death.Mayim Bialik, 45, was additionally tapped to hostJeopardy!primetime and spinoff series, including the newly-announcedJeopardy! National College Championship.
He also made a comment on the podcast tying Jewish people to big noses, prompting the Anti-Defamation League to call for an investigation into his behavior.
“New ‘Jeopardy!’ host Mike Richards' disparaging remarks about Jews, women & Asians are no laughing matter,” the organizationwrotein a Twitter statement Thursday, one day before news broke of Richards' departure.
“Stereotyping is an entry point to hate and his apology lacks acknowledgment of its harm,” the statement said. “This reported pattern warrants an investigation.”
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“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,” the statement continued. “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.”
The apology was the second Richards issued within the month of August. Prior to the announcement of hisJeopardy!gig, he denied allegations of workplace discrimination during his time atThe Price Is Right, including a claim that he allegedly told model Brandi Cochran when she revealed she was pregnant, “Go figure, I fire five models. What are the odds one of the ones that I keep gets pregnant?”
Cochran sued the producers at FremantleMedia North America and CBS in 2012, winning the suit to the tune of more than $7 million in damages. Richards was not personally named in the lawsuit.The decision was overturned the next year,Entertainment Weeklyreported, and settled out of court.
Another suit — a wrongful constructive termination and retaliationlawsuitfromPrice is Rightmodel Lanisha Cole in 2011 — accused Richards of treating Cole differently than the other models, causing her “great uncertainty” about her future on the show, according to theLos Angeles Times. He was later dismissed as a defendant and the case was settled out of court in 2013, the outlet reported.
Jeopardy!’s 38th season premieres on Sept. 13.
source: people.com
