Mike Richards has resigned as the host of Jeopardy!, according to the Associated Press. Richards was chosen to replace Alex Trebek as the show host after he passed away last November from pancreatic cancer.
The producer wrote a letter to the show’s staff announcing his resignation on Aug. 20 after several misogynistic and Trumpian-type comments he made on his podcast, The Randumb Show, came back to haunt Richards. The podcast aired from 2013 to 2014.
Sister 2 Sister reported that Richards landing the hosting gig raised several eyebrows and led folks to wonder if the audition process was fair, being that Richards gave the job to himself.
Fans also felt that their favorite, LeVar Burton, was robbed, according to The Hollywood Reporter.
BREAKING: Mike Richards has stepped down as the host of Jeopardy! Official statement via Sony: pic.twitter.com/eJSwyBOXwN
— Claire McNear (@clairemcnear) August 20, 2021
“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,” he wrote.
“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 canceling production today.”
Richards added that a search for the permanent host would continue, and guest hosts would take over in the meantime.
The producer was criticized for appointing himself king in the first place. Actress Yvette Nicole Brown noted on Twitter that a fair playing field should have happened from the get-go. She also implied that karma played a role in Richard’s decision to resign due to the controversy.
NONE of this had to happen. A FAIR process creating an EVEN playing field and EQUAL chance for EVERYONE to shine is all it took.
Newly named ‘Jeopardy!’ host #MikeRichards steps down from trivia show amid outcry over podcast comments.#JusticeForLeVar https://t.co/aHKMfIZfKX
— yvette nicole brown (@YNB) August 20, 2021
The process was never fair. Richards as the producer of the show obviously structured things to benefit him and undermine other. It’s obvious what was done to Levar and the fact that even though she was Alex’s pick Laura Coates was never given a chance to audition speaks volumes.
— SandraM (@SandraM440) August 20, 2021
Today is a great day to hire LaVar Burton to host #Jeopardy .
I mean, so was last Wednesday but whatever. pic.twitter.com/F9txwG7cqp
— Deborah Wolfson (@HowlinWolfson) August 20, 2021
No word yet on when to expect a permanent replacement. We’ll keep you posted.
