Mike Richards is stepping down as the new host of Jeopardy following comments that were brought to light.
Richards is accused of making offensive and sexist comments on a podcast several years ago.
He had previously served as the show’s executive producer who helped with the search for a replacement for the late Alex Trebek. Richards was later named host himself.
“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,” Richards wrote in a statement released by Sony.
He says that he will be stepping down from the position he was honored to be put in.
“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,” he shared. “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.”
Richards is accused of making discriminatory comments about pregnant women on a podcast in 2013/14.