UPDATE 12:04 P.M.
LOS ANGELES (Reuters) -Mike Richards, who earlier this month stepped down as the new host of “Jeopardy!” after a backlash over past offensive comments, will no longer serve as executive producer of the long-running quiz show, Sony Pictures Television said on Tuesday.
Richards also has given up producing duties at game show “Wheel of Fortune,” Sony Executive Vice President Suzanne Prete said in a memo released by the company.
“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,” Prete said. “That clearly has not happened.”
Richards had been appointed to replace legendary host Alex Trebek, who died in 2020 after more than three decades on the series. He stepped down from that role after online publication “The Ringer” reported on disparaging and sexist comments he made on a podcast.
“The Big Bang Theory” star Mayim Bialik is serving as guest host of daily “Jeopardy!” while Sony searches for a permanent replacement. She also was tapped to host spinoffs including a college tournament.
(Reporting by Lisa Richwine in Los AngelesEditing by Matthew Lewis)
——————————-
LOS ANGELES (Reuters) – Mike Richards, who earlier this month stepped down as host of Jeopardy! after a backlash over offensive comments in his past, will no longer serve as executive producer of the long-running game show, Sony Pictures Television said on Tuesday.
(Reporting by Lisa Richwine)
This story will be updated.
Comments