‘Jeopardy’ Host Mike Richards Apologizes After Sexist Comments Resurface
The appointment of Mike Richards as the new Jeopardy! host continues to bring controversy, with the executive producer now apologizing for his sexist remarks made on an old podcast.
Richards is set to begin his role as the permanent host of the long-running game show today, Thursday, August 19, as taping of the new season begins. However, the occasion has been marred by a new report from The Ringer, which brings to light comments Richards made while co-hosting The Randumb Show podcast in 2014.
The remarks included Richards asking his co-hosts (both younger women) if they had ever taken “booby pictures” and referring to one of them as a “booth-ho” and “booth-slut” after she revealed she worked as a model. In another episode, he said one-piece swimsuits made women look “really frumpy and overweight.”
Following The Ringer‘s article, Richards shared a statement apologizing for the comments he made on the podcast, the episodes of which have since been deleted. “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,” he said.
“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,” he continued.
He went on to say it was “humbling to confront a terribly embarrassing moment of misjudgment, 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.”
This marks the latest controversy surrounding the new Jeopardy! host. Earlier this month, details of an employment dispute came to attention, in which Richards was accused of pregnancy discrimination against two former Price Is Right models.
“I want you all to know that the way in which my comments and actions have been characterized in these complaints does not reflect the reality of who I am or how we worked together on The Price is Right,” Richards stated.
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P
Of all the choices that we were presented, Mike is definitely the best choice. All of us at some time in our lives (if we live long enough) will perform some action that either embarrasses us or our family. Get on with the show!
9 2
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G
Drop it! Is there anybody in the world who hasn't said something objectionable that you feel terrible about later? 10 years later? The guy was a good guest host, smooth and natural. He deserves to get the gig.
10 4
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R
Richards gets a pass for his comments but Chris Harrison got crucified for defending a Bachelorette contestant?!?
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G
7 years
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B
Oh, people, come on------just because you didn't get your way, on who the host was, you have to bring up crap from long ago. Why do you have to act like spoiled kids??????????
5 1
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O
he will be a good host.
7 3
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C
Enough with this "political correctness". Mike is a great host and some silly comments made many many years ago should have no bearing on that job. It is ridiculous that this is even a discussion.
7 3
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G
Why does no one ever take Howard Stern to task???????????
3 1
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O
I’d flip that — why doesn’t everyone get the pass Howard gets?
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G
I think Mike Richards is fine. His personality will develop in time. Stuff that happened 10 years ago should not define his capability now. Ken Jennings certainly would have made a good host. Personally I don't understand the clamor for LeVar Burton. Nice enough guy, but just not right.
5 3
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O
In today's cancel culture this may be a career killer. It amazes me that all of the SJWs totally gloss over George Floyd's felonious and irresponsible life, but will destroy someone's career over bad taste in comedy. Grow up!
6 5
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L
He wasn't my 1st choice now he's my last. Bad behavior crude behavior, it doesn't matter how often It happened or when it happened. He no longer represents the character of Jeopardy and all that Alex Trebek stood for.
3 3
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B
Mayim was and is the best choice. Her new series is awful. She needs to step in.
4 4
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C
Step down Mike.
3 7
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G
His math skills are terrible. 2014 was 7 years ago which does not excuse bad behavior. As the executive producer he basically hired himself.
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