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After weeks of tumult at “Jeopardy!,” Mike Richards has departed from the show altogether. He is the show's erstwhile executive producer, and was recently named one of the gameshow's two new hosts — but stepped down just days after 

sexist and other inappropriate comments he had made in his former role as a podcast host. 

Less than two weeks ago, Sony Pictures Television told NPR in an emailed statement: "Richards will remain in his role leading the show." The company spokesperson added, "It is our hope that as EP he will continue to do so with professionalism and respect."

Sony Pictures Television shared with NPR a memo sent by Suzanne Prete, the executive vice president of business and strategy for “Wheel of Fortune” and “Jeopardy!,” to the two gameshows' staff. In part, it reads:

I'm writing to let you know that Mike will no longer be serving as EP of ‘Wheel’ and ‘Jeopardy!’ effective immediately.  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. That clearly has not happened."  

Anastasia Tsioulcas

Author

Mike Richards, the former executive producer of those shows, had recently been named the new host of "Jeopardy!" He lasted one day of filming. 

Mike Richards is no longer 'Jeopardy!' executive producer, after being ousted as host

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