New 'Jeopardy' host steps down after sexist, anti-Semitic podcast comments resurface

mike richards
Photo credit Getty Images

Mike Richards has stepped down from his newly appointed role as the host of "Jeopardy!" amid controversy over past comments he made.

Richards made the announcement in an internal memo, Deadline reported.

Earlier this week, a report on the website The Ringer revealed demeaning comments about women that Richards had made on a podcast.

Richards also made anti-Semitic comments on the podcast, according to TMZ. When someone brought up big noses, he reportedly responded, "Ixnay on the ose-nay. She's not an ew-Jay."

Richards, a longtime executive producer on the popular game show, wrote that he will be "stepping down as host effective immediately" and that the series will return to using guest hosts as it searches for a new permanent host.

Read his full statement below:

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.

Mike

Featured Image Photo Credit: Getty Images