Richards, who produced the game show before being named the late Alex Trebek’s full-time replacement, made the comments in 2013 and 2014 on the podcast “The Randumb Show,” which he hosted. The podcast was a behind-the-scenes look at “The Price Is Right,” which Richards co-executive produced at the time.
The website reports that in 2014, Richards made a number of comments about women’s bodies, including asking two younger women whether they had taken nude photos of themselves and complaining that women’s one-piece bathing suits looked “tough” and “fat”.
In other episodes, he called his co-host a derogatory term for those of short stature, and used the same slur to describe actress Kristin Chenoweth, according to the report.
In an audio clip shared in the story, Richards made critical comments about a co-host for both receiving unemployment benefits and giving a dollar to a woman in need.
In another episode, according to The Ringer, after an unspecific comment about big noses, Richards said, “Ixnay on the ose-nay,” he replied. “She’s not ew-Jay.”
NewsMadura has reached out to representatives for Richards and Sony, who produce “Jeopardy!,” for comment.
“It is humbling to be confronted with a terribly embarrassing moment of misjudgment, thoughtlessness and callousness from nearly a decade ago. Looking back now, of course, there is no excuse for the comments I made on this podcast and I am sorry much.” Richards said in a statement to the Ringer. “The podcast was intended to be a series of irreverent conversations between old friends who had a history of joking. Even with the passage of time, it’s more than clear that my attempts to be funny and provocative were not acceptable, and I removed The episodes. My responsibilities today as a father, husband and a public figure who speaks to many people through my role on television mean that I have substantial and serious obligations as a role model, and I intend to fulfill them.”
“Danger!” is set to film new episodes Thursday. LaVar Burton, Aaron Rodgers and former “Jeopardy!” champion Ken Jennings was among those seen as front-runners to replace Trebek as host of the long-running quiz show. Richards will host the nightly show, with Mayim Bialik presenting prime-time specials.
