Jeopardy! Is on the hunt for a host once again, as Mike Richards has stepped away from the job just nine days after he was named the new face of the syndicated game show.
Richards, who was already a controversial choice among fans online, came under intense scrutiny after disparaging comments he made on a podcast about women, Jewish people, and Haiti came to light.
The comments resulted in the Anti-Defamation League calling for an investigation into the host.
Richards will remain Jeopardy’s executive producer.
Jeopardy! Will once again rely on guest hosts as it resumes its hunt for a permanent host. Big Bang Theory star Mayim Bialik was previously named as host of any primetime and spinoff editions of the quiz show and will presumably continue to host those.
“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,” said Richards in a note to the staff. “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.”
Richards was never a popular choice for Jeopardy! Host following the death of longtime master of ceremonies Alex Trebek. A large contingent of fans online have been pushing for actor and television host LeVar Burton to get the job.
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