“Jeopardy!” executive producer, Mike Richards, who is reportedly in advanced negotiations to become the late Alex Trebek’s successor, is defending himself against past discrimination lawsuits.
The lawsuits in question, which date back to 2010 and 2011, allege that Richards mistreated colleagues while serving as an executive producer on “The Price Is Right.”
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According to The Hollywood Reporter, the 46-year-old sent an office memo to staff in which he confirmed that he’s a frontrunner for the hosting gig and explained the lawsuits.
CNN notes that a spokesperson for Sony, the production company behind the game show, shared the memo.
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“I want to address the complicated employment issues raised in the press during my time at ‘The Price is Right’ ten years ago. These were allegations made in employment disputes against the show,” he reportedly wrote in the memo.
“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,’” he continued.
He added: “I know firsthand how special it is to be a parent. It is the most important thing in the world to me. I would not say anything to disrespect anyone’s pregnancy and have always supported my colleagues on their parenting journeys.”
Richards is referring to an $8.5 million lawsuit that former model Brandi Cochran won in 2010 after it was ruled that “The Price Is Right” discriminated against her while she was pregnant with twins.
Richards went on to praise the shows, writing: “I am very proud of my time on ‘The Price Is Right’ and ‘Let’s Make a Deal.’ During my tenure, our female cast members welcomed seven beautiful children. We embraced and celebrated each pregnancy and birth both in front of and behind the camera. It was a joy to watch their families grow and highlight their happiness as part of the show.”
Cochran’s lawsuit was followed by one in 2011 filed by model Lanisha Cole, who sued the game show for sexual harassment. She claimed that Richards and another producer were verbally abusive towards her. By 2013, Richards was dismissed in that lawsuit before it was settled.
The Hollywood Reporter notes that the game show faced “additional unsuccessful pregnancy discrimination claims beyond those made by Cochran.
Richards, who also served as producer on “Who Wants to be a Millionaire?,” took a moment to confirm the rumors that he was “asked” to “consider hosting the show.”
“I was humbled and deeply honored,” he said, adding, “No final decisions have been made and discussions with me and other potential hosts are still ongoing.”
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“Throughout this search, Sony’s top priority has always been to continue the incredible legacy you and Alex built,” Richards wrote in the memo. “As you know, Alex always believed the game itself and the contestants are the most important aspects of the show, and that will continue to be the guiding principle as the decision is finalized.”
Since Trebek’s passing on November 8, 2020, “Jeopardy!” has enlisted a roster of guest hosts during their quest for a permanent replacement.
The list of celebrities that have taken to the podium has included Mayim Bialik, Anderson Cooper, Katie Couric, Bill Whitaker, Dr. Mehmet Oz, George Stephanopoulos, Robin Roberts, Savannah Guthrie, Dr. Sanjay Gupta, Aaron Rodgers, and fan-favorite LeVar Burton!
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Fans also assumed Ken Jennings, one of the game show’s greatest contestants, was a likely successor.
As the next season of “Jeopardy!” is about to go into production ahead of the September 13 premiere, Sony will need to make a decision on a host sooner rather than later.
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