What did Mike Richards say about the allegations against him?

MIKE Richards and Mayim Bialik were named the new hosts of Jeopardy! on August 11.

However, since being named one of the show’s new hosts, rumors started to spread that Richards contributed to “toxic” behavior on The Price Is Right set.

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Mike Richards stepped down as host of Jeopardy! amid the unearthing of his past ‘misogynistic’ commentsCredit: Reuters

What did Mike Richards say about the allegations against him?

Following the allegations against him, Richards spoke out and said the lawsuits “don’t reflect” who he is.

“I want to address the complicated employment issues raised in the press during my time at The Price is Right ten years ago,” Richards wrote in a statement to Jeopardy! staff.

“These were allegations made in employment disputes against the show. 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.”

Richards then went on to say that he is “very proud” of his time on The Price Is Right and Let’s Make a Deal.

What allegations were made against Mike Richards?

The allegations came from Brandi Cochran, who claimed back in 2010 that she was “discriminated against” by CBS and FremantleMedia North America after disclosing her pregnancy and then was later wrongfully terminated after giving birth.

THR reported that before her termination, Richards said,  “Go figure—I fire five models, what are the odds one of the ones that I keep gets pregnant?” at a 2008 holiday party.

Richards then testified during the lawsuit hearing that Cochran was a “good model,” and that she “would not take us too great.”

“I would not say anything to disrespect anyone’s pregnancy and have always supported my colleagues on their parenting journeys,” Richards later said following more allegations against the companies.

Will Mike Richards be the next host of Jeopardy!?

On August 11, Jeopardy! announced Richards and Bialik as the new hosts of the game show as the permanent replacements for the late Alex Trebek.

However, a week after being announced as the new host, Richards resigned after fans slammed him for his past “misogynistic” comments.

Richards reportedly announced that he is stepping down in a memo released to staff.

The alleged memo has surfaced on social media.

Mike Richards and Mayim Bialik were named the new hosts of Jeopardy! on August 11

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Mike Richards and Mayim Bialik were named the new hosts of Jeopardy! on August 11Credit: Getty Images – Getty

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.” 

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