Sony announced Tuesday that Mike Richards would no longer serve as the executive producer of Jeopardy! and Wheel of Fortune.
The news comes after Richards stepped down as the new host of Jeopardy!, having only held the title for a week. Richards became mired in controversies after The Ringer dug up derogatory comments he made on a podcast. On top of the podcast comments, he was also named in several discrimination lawsuits. The suits stemmed from his time as executive producer on The Price Is Right.
Sony Pictures Television executive Vice President Suzanne Prete informed staff of the change in an email.
“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 these last few weeks,” the email read. “That clearly has not happened.”
She went on to say that the CEO of Sony-owned television production company Embassy Row, Michael Davies, will step in to help with production until someone else is found. She thanked the staff for their professionalism and cooperation throughout the turmoil over the last few weeks.
Mayim Bialik was announced as temporary host after Richards stepped down. Additional guest hosts of the primetime game show will be announced at a later time. Guests will helm the show until a permanent host is named.
The new season of Jeopardy! premieres on September 13.
