Mike Richards Stepping Down As ‘Jeopardy!’ Host, New Host Search Continues
Mike Richards is stepping down as host of Jeopardy! following resurfaced comments he made on The Randumb Show podcast he hosted in 2013 and 2014.
The comments in question, as first reported by The Ringer, found that Richards “repeatedly used offensive language and disparaged women’s bodies.”
Per The Hollywood Reporter, Sony Pictures Television released the following statement from Richards’ announcing his departure from Jeopardy!:
“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. 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.
SPT will now resume the search for a permanent syndicated host. 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 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. I know I have a lot of work to do to regain your trust and confidence.”
