‘Jeopardy!’ Champion James Holzhauer Blasts Ousted Host Mike Richards
One of Jeopardy!‘s most revered champions, James Holzhauer, is weighing on on Mike Richards being fired from the longtime quiz show — and he has some strong feelings about the former executive producer.
The second highest-earning Jeopardy! contestant of all-time in regular play, Holzhauer is best known for his impressive 32-game winning streak from April to June 2019 and winning the Tournament of Champions that November. He also finished runner-up in 2020’s Greatest of All Time Tournament, bringing his total earnings to $2,964,216 and placing him as the third highest-earning American game show contestant ever behind Ken Jennings and Brad Rutter.
Taking to Twitter on Monday, Holzhauer touched on the latest development in the ongoing Richards controversy, which saw the disgraced host fired from his role as exec producer on both Jeopardy! and Wheel of Fortune. Richards had faced backlash after The Ringer published a report detailing insensitive comments the producer had made in a 2013 podcast.
“Do I think Mike Richards’s podcast comments were appropriate for polite society? No,” tweeted Holzhauer. “But did he deserve the benefit of the doubt for the job he did running Jeopardy? Also no.” He then tweeted a GIF of “Ding Dong The Witch Is Dead” from The Wizard of Oz.
Do I think Mike Richards’s podcast comments were appropriate for polite society? No. But did he deserve the benefit of the doubt for the job he did running Jeopardy? Also no
— James Holzhauer (@James_Holzhauer) August 31, 2021
— James Holzhauer (@James_Holzhauer) August 31, 2021
He later followed up to explain that it wasn’t just the podcast comments that formed his opinion and that he had “formed a much stronger negative opinion” from how Richards “treated people backstage at Jeopardy.”
Some judged Mike Richards solely on his podcast comments and formed a negative opinion, but I judged him by the way he treated people backstage at Jeopardy and formed a much stronger negative opinion https://t.co/mebtz0Tgc3
— James Holzhauer (@James_Holzhauer) September 1, 2021
Suzanne Prete, Sony Pictures Television’s EVP of Business and Strategy for Wheel of Fortune and Jeopardy!, sent a memo to staff explaining the decision to remove Richards from his producer role. “I’m writing to let you know that Mike will no longer be serving as EP of Wheel and Jeopardy! effective immediately,” Prete’s letter began, according to Deadline.
It continued: “We had hoped that when Mike stepped down from the host position at Jeopardy! it would have minimized the disruption and internal difficulties we have all experienced these last few weeks. That clearly has not happened.”
Embassy Row’s Michael Davies is expected to help in the producing role on an interim basis. Meanwhile, The Big Bang Theory‘s Mayim Bialik, who will host spinoffs and specials, is stepping in as the regular Jeopardy! host until a new permanent host is found.
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Conversation15 Comments
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G
I adore James Holzhauer! He has been my favorite contest, by far. I know he seems a little awkward, but that’s part of his charm. He was there, I was not, I will take word about how he was treated backstage as the truth!
I would Love to see him competing on Jeopardy! again!
I wonder how James would do as host?
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G
I have been watching the Tournament of Champions and Buzzy is doing a great job. Why not consider him or Ken Jennings.
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R
Where there's smoke. I trust James' opinion, there are too many others saying similar things. Not a lot of room for doubt.
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G
I do agree that Buzzy is doing a REALLY good job with Tournament of Champions! I watched all the guest hosts and he has do a great job! I think his “look” goes well with this role! He has personality, his timing is good and he seems very natural in his role!
My vote goes to Buzzy!
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B
Give the Job to Buzzy .
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O
I am very disappointed with Sony’s hiring skills. In today’s world how did Mike Richard’s get hired at all. Jobs usually require back ground checks done for all jobs before hiring new employees. I think you are making the show almost unbearable. We want the show to continue. Ken Jennings was respected by Alex. Hire him and let us watch the show. You have a winner who is currently the 4th highest money winner to date. We want to see him play. The way you are handling this is getting old. The general public is complaining and many have stated that they will not watch the show any more.
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C
I just can't get over how accurate John Oliver was when he said he looks like a smirking golf bag.
He REALLY does.
Oh and GOOD RIDDANCE
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O
I'm sure one of these days you'll change your mind. Give it a couple of years.
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J
I'm not a fan of Holzhauer, either.
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O
Think Sheldon Cooper and reassess.
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J
What could a TV character have to do with my opinion of Holzhauer?? No reassessment necessary.
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C
I think; Sony should remember; You can't Please all of the people all of the Time... Trying to find a host to pick up (near) where Alex left off is impossible! Even Alex didn't start Jeopardy~ how he left it. Maybe (?) If you stop trying to find a known (& liked) celeb type ...Just look to a pool of qualified People & select 1 that "Reflects the GAME of Jeopardy" Not Alex's clone❗ this show could move on. Wonder if there'd be so much hassle if all thez opinionated people had to put pen*to*paper, to comment instead of talk*to*text..
GOOD LUCK
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P
Lookin lousy, James, jumping into the conversation now when the man when is down, no details just broad putdowns. You disappoint me, James.
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O
He was backstage and has first hand experience, but is also smart enough to avoid slander/libel litigation.
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O
All he said was he didn’t like the way people were treated backstage! He saw it up close and personal.
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