Ken Jennings ‘Ageist’ Comment on ‘Jeopardy! Sparks Strong Response From Viewers
Jeopardy! fans are reacting to an off-hand comment made by host Ken Jennings in one of the show’s latest episodes.
During the November 9 game, Jennings spoke to competitor Jen Jazwinski, who shared an anecdote about her grandmother during the break in the first round of the game. The youth services librarian from Algonquin, Illinois opened up about the influence of her grandmother in her life.
As a returning champion, Jazwinski said of her initial victory, “When I did that, her entire home where she lives was watching, and they stood and gave her a standing ovation during that part of the show.” She went on to add, “So that was a really special moment for her and for me.”
The story prompted Jennings to reply, “That’s great. And that means a lot in assisted living. Standing up: not easy… for all those people.” The offhanded comment elicited some laughter from the audience, as he added, “I would assume.”
Jennings’ remark received a swift response from fans online, some reprimanding his categorization of elderly individuals:
@Jeopardy Really? Nothing like a little casual ageism from @KenJennings – it’s difficult for people in assisted living to stand up? Disappointed.
— TRAPPED IN A RED STATE (@MarionClare04) November 10, 2023
11/09. Jeopardy contestant Jen Jazwinski told an anecdote about her grandmother being given a standing ovation at her assisted living home when her episode aired. « Standing up, not easy for all those people », was Ken’s cringe-worthy reply. #KenJennings #jeopardy #cringe pic.twitter.com/yG8JzWOrhj
— Le « Manitoba » ne répond plus. (@Bookkollektor) November 10, 2023
@KenJennings disses the elderly tonight 11/09/23 when responding to Jen who said her grandma’s home residents stood up and clapped at her winning. He said they’re so old hard to stand up. He should apologize. @Jeopardy He promotes himself as a good Mormon NOT
— Carl Richards (@candlepincarl) November 10, 2023
@KenJennings Dude ,Come to The Villages ,Fl. A Retired Living Community of 55 + ! They,stand,dance,play pickleball. My 90 year old Mom could SERIOUSLY KICK YER ARSE!! You can only hope you live to be in yer 70’s plus! Joking of seniors not cool nerd boy!!
— Pagrl814 (@MzFairyWinkle) November 10, 2023
Some fans thought it was funny:
Oh my Gawd @KenJennings! A standing ovation is a big deal at an Assisted Living Facilit. I paraphrase, but we get the idea! #Jeopardy
— Julie London Ferguson (@DearBubbie) November 10, 2023
Ken Jennings just roasted the elderly! I’m loving it ! @takimoto23x https://t.co/g3ZWyPhbtt
— TwistNHook (@TwistNHook) November 10, 2023
And another believed Jennings made a comment similar to a joke he once made about wheelchair-bound people:
Ken Jennings made another wheelchair joke on jeopardy tonight lol
— Larry NASCAR (@MrBlockedOff) November 10, 2023
For those less familiar with that joke, Jennings apologized in 2020 for comments about someone who was wheelchair-bound, “I just wanted to own up to the fact that over the years on Twitter, I’ve definitely tweeted some unartful and insensitive things. Sometimes they worked as jokes in my head and I was dismayed to see how they read on screen,” the apology began.
Do you think Jennings’ comment from the latest episode deserves an apology? Let us know in the comments section.
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Comments are closed on this story.
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O
These people need to get a life! I thought his comment was perfect and I could envision those people struggling to stand and that made it that much more meaningful. Don’t go looking for trouble, there was no malice intended. Look for the good and enjoy life. BTW I am 86 and often struggle to stand.😊
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G
I’m nearly 70. I thought that it was funny. I can’t understand how anyone could be offended, but of course in this day and age people go out of their way to find something to be offended by.
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O
I agree with GmaCole, these people need to get a life. Why are they making such a big deal about such a casual comment? I'm 96 and couldn't care less if people are concerned if I can stand up or not. (I can).
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B
I'm getting up there myself and gave a little snort when I heard Ken's mild joke. I have contemporaries in assisted living who though needing assistance have intact reason and humour, and feel the searing condescension of those prickly little social warriors sniffing the ground for any whiff of possible impropriety. This correctness is stifling.
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He wasn't wrong.
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R
Not his finest moment but please, enough, with the micro-attention and response to every little thing Ken and Mayim do. Enough with pitting them against each other also. Please just enjoy one of the classic game shows of all time. The show is bigger than the hosts.
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P
No one has a sense of humor anymore. It's sad.
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G
I think they're overreacting. I'm 90 and I'm not offended. Some people just look for things to be offended about. It's getting ridiculous.
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O
As soon as he said that I told my wife there would be articles about easily offended idiots whining. I hope nobody died .. I mean I hope nobody was unalived.
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P
I thought it was funny. I don't think he meant to hurt anyone's feelings. People are way too sensitive today.
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O
Clayton said it better
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M
I agree, they do need to get a life. I have never seen people have the venom and meanness that far too many Jeopardy fans have. I have said this on several occasions: I respected and admired Alex Trebek. He was the consummate professional, a good, genuine soul, who left his mark on our world that cannot be replaced or repeated. Ken Jennings, because of his real love for Jeopardy and the institution it has become, answered the call when it went out. But Ken has to make the show Ken Jenning's Jeopardy. If he even attempts to go with Alex Trebek's Jeopardy by Ken Jennings, it will fail and fail in a very bad way. Fans need to back off of Ken and back off of their vitriol and ugly comments. I know that this 30 minute show could not be the only thing in their lives. Perhaps focus on other things for a while. I really think that Jeopardy is in the best care and hands it could be in with Ken Jennings at the helm leading the way. I am passionate enough in this feeling that if they remove Ken Jennings as host, I will NEVER watch another episode. And while I very much like and admire Mayim Bailik, her hosting Jeopardy - while she does a good job - just does not look natural. Mayim has so many wonderful talents and her acting range is outstanding. But it does not fit hosting Jeopardy. Ken Jennings will continue to have my full support and I am enjoying how he is making Jeopardy Ken's Jeopardy.
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O
People get over yourselves!!! He didn’t intentionally insult anyone.
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P
I am so sick and tired of these people that pick at everything! I thought the comment was perfectly fine and that he was admiring the elderly who stood up!!! It is not ageism...grandparents ARE elderly! WHAT IS WRONG WITH PEOPLE THESE DAYS!!!!
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B
I’ve had many friends and family in nursing homes the last 50 years and some people do have a hard time standing up. It is sad but I’m SURE Ken did NOT mean any harm. He’s a wonderful host and we’re blessed to have him. Following our Alex has been difficult but I think overall he’s doing GREAT!
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B
Geeeeeeeeez, I guess everyone still wants an award OR FEELS THAT EVERYONE SHOULD GET ONE!
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O
Remember these stories just find a few crazy people and try to make a story of it.
It's nonsense nothing has happened go humor.
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No
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J
Hey Ken, I'm 77. Let me know when I must sit down. I like to dance.
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Stupid to insult anyone; especially your viewing audience !
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G
It wasn't amusing. It was just a hateful and bigoted cliche. Typical for Jennings.
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G
Hateful??? I’m nearly 70. It was funny! And… do you know the meaning of “cliche”??
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C
I think Ken should be removed from the show. His many missteps constantly brings his arrogance into focus.
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G
He’s arrogant!
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Very offended by that comment!!!! Need to get rid of him
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B
I like Ken, but this was stupid. Doesn't he realize that everything he says will be scrutinized to the nth degree? Alex was a senior when doing Jeopardy and I am sure Ken would never have stooped to saying that Alex had trouble standing up!
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I think Ken Jennings feels he is smarter than everyone and his comment goes to show what type person he really is. Think he was wrong choice for Jeopardy, Alex Trebek would be embarrassed he was a man of grace not an idiot like Jennings. I try not to comment but think I will no longer watch Jeopardy.
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R
What a mean, tasteless joke! He just put down ALL seniors in care facilities.
We’re sick of you Ken!
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