Mike Richards steps down as new 'Jeopardy!' host (full story)

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Mike Richards, the executive producer of "Jeopardy!" who was tapped to succeed Alex Trebek as host of the venerable game show franchise, announced Friday he is stepping aside amid recent scrutiny on his past.

"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," Richards said in a statement.

Richards, who filled in as guest host from late February to early March after Trebek died in November, has faced intense scrutiny in recent weeks over alleged past behavior ... The Ringer’s Claire McNear reported that
Richards made disparaging comments about women, Jews, poor people, minorities, and Haiti ...

Richards apologized and said in a statement on Wednesday evening:
“It’s more than clear that my attempts to be funny were not acceptable.”

https://www.nbcnews.com/pop-culture/tv/mike-richards-steps-down-new-jeopardy-host-n1277265