JEOPARDY! executive producer Mike Richards will “undergo sensitivity training.”
The decision comes after he resigned as host over his past “misogynistic” comments.
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Last week, the 46-year-old stepped down as the host of the beloved game show when his controversial past comments about a podcast co-host resurfaced.
Despite stepping down as host due to the controversy, Sony Pictures Entertainment has decided to keep Mike on as executive producer of Jeopardy! and Wheel of Fortune.
However, The New York Times reported that Mike has agreed to undergo sensitivity training.
According to the executive producer’s spokesman Ed Tagliaferri, Mike has apologized numerous times for his past behavior and asked for an opportunity to prove “who he really is.”
The spokesman also denied claims that Mike is negotiating an exit from Sony, stating: “Mike is committed to continuing as the executive producer of Jeopardy! and Wheel of Fortune.”
Mike was named as the new Jeopardy! host alongside actress Mayim Balik earlier this month following longtime host Alex Trebek’s death back in November 2020.
MIKE’S CONTROVERSY
The quiz show host recently found himself at the center of controversy when past comments about his co-host Beth Triffon during The Randumb Show podcast resurfaced.
The podcast, which ran from 2013 to 2014, gave fans a behind the scenes look at The Price Is Right.
According to The Ringer, Beth – who served as his co-host/former assistant – said she worked as a model at the CES during the episode.
Mike then mocked Beth as a “booth ho,” “booth s**t,” and “boothstitute.”
In another episode, Mike made comments about a photo of Beth and her friends.
He called the group “really frumpy and overweight” and claimed “they all look terrible in the picture… they look fat and not good in the picture”.
Following the backlash, Mike broke his silence with a statement through Sony.
‘NO EXCUSE’
The former TV host said: “It is humbling to confront a terribly embarrassing moment of misjudgment, thoughtlessness, and insensitivity from nearly a decade ago.
“Looking back now, there is no excuse, of course, for the comments I made on this podcast and I am deeply sorry.”
He added: “The podcast was intended to be a series of irreverent conversations between longtime friends who had a history of joking around.”
“Even with the passage of time, it’s more than clear that my attempts to be funny and provocative were not acceptable, and I have removed the episodes.”
Mike also faced backlash when rumors began to spread that he contributed to “toxic” behavior on The Price Is Right set.
MIKE’S MEMO
Mike reportedly announced that he was stepping down as host in a memo released to staff, which has surfaced on social media.
The statement read: “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.”
Sony Pictures Television will supposedly now “resume the search for a permanent syndicated host.”
The statement concluded: “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.”
MAYIM TAKES OVER
Shortly after Mike announced his departure, it was revealed that Mayim, 45, has been scheduled to tape three weeks of episodes when production resumes this week for a total of 15 episodes.
According to Sony Pictures Television, more guest hosts will be announced at a later date as the show continues its search for a permanent host.
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