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This “Jeopardy” executive producer is signing off less than two weeks after he stepped down from hosting the show over reports that he was named in multiple discrimination lawsuits.
Who is Mike Richards?
“We had hoped that when Mike stepped down from the host position at ‘Jeopardy!’ it would have minimized the disruption and internal difficulties we have all experienced the last few weeks,” Suzanne Prete, a Sony Pictures Entertainment executive, wrote in a memo to staff Tuesday morning that was obtained by MarketWatch. “That clearly has not happened.”
Richards will also be leaving his role as executive producer on “Wheel of Fortune.”
The exit comes after a botched hunt to replace beloved “Jeopardy!” host Alex Trebek. Sony announced earlier this month that Richards would host the nightly syndicated program, while “Big Bang Theory” star Mayim Bialik would helm primetime and spin-off series.
But after much backlash and reports of discriminatory behavior and misogynistic comments surfaced, Richards bowed out from that role.
Read more: Mayim Bialik will temporarily replace Mike Richards as ‘Jeopardy!’ host
“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,” Richards wrote in a note to staff.
Mayim Bialik is set to temporarily replace Mike Richards as full-time host of the syndicated quiz show with additional guest hosts throughout the season.
