New “Jeopardy!” Host Mike Richards is Stepping Down

The newly announced host of “Jeopardy!” Mike Richards is stepping down nine days after he got the gig.

It’s a stunning reversal of fortune for Richards, who is also the show’s producer. He was tapped to take over as host for the long-running game show, filling the void left by Alex Trebek, who passed away late last year.

Comments made on a podcast 8 years ago resurfaced on Twitter after the seemingly unknown Richards was named as the game show’s new host.

The Anti–Defamation League criticized him after disparaging remarks he made about Jewish people during a podcast resurfaced on Twitter. Someone on a podcast made a remark about big noses, to which Richards allegedly responded, “Ixnay on the ose -nay. She’s not an ew-Jay.”

He reportedly also made comments about a woman’s weight and called the podcast’s co-host a “booth slut.”

I’m his resignation announcement, Richards said, “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.”