PRODUCER Mike Richards stepped down from his brief tenure as host of “Jeopardy!” after a report about past misogynistic comments surfaced last week and following a drumbeat of criticism about his selection and how it was made. Richards was chosen as the successor to Alex Trebek, a decision that was seen as divisive from the beginning after the show had embarked on a search that included actors, sports figures, journalists and celebrities. Earlier last week, The Ringer website revealed demeaning comments about women, the homeless and others that Richards had made on a 2013-14 podcast, “The Randumb Show.” The clips were removed online after the report was posted. “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 note to the “Jeopardy!” staff Friday. Richards said a search for a new host will begin, with guest hosts returning to continue production for the new season. But viewers will get to see the short-lived emcee in action. The episodes that Richards taped Thursday will air when the show returns for its 38th season starting Sept. 13; a do-over with a substitute host would be a slap at the contestants and further undermine the show. Richards’ note indicated that he will remain the show’s executive producer — an awkward situation for whoever replaces him. Sony Pictures Television, the studio that makes “Jeopardy!” and which released Richards’ memo, said it was surprised to learn of his podcasts and offensive language and spoke with him “about our concerns and our expectations moving forward.” “It’s our hope that as EP he will continue to do so with professionalism and respect,” Sony said in a statement Friday. When Richards was tapped to host the popular game show, Sony also announced that actor Mayim Bialik would emcee “Jeopardy!” prime-time and spinoff series, including a new college championship. On the podcast, Richards used derogatory, crude language about women and their bodies. At one point he says his female co-host and former assistant was a “booth ho” and “booth slut” when she worked at a trade show. He also made mocking remarks about Jews and Asians and disparaged the homeless. “It is humbling to confront a terribly embarrassing moment of misjudgment, thoughtlessness, and insensitivity from nearly a decade ago,” Richards said in a statement to The Ringer staff writer Claire McNear, who first reported on the podcasts. He called the remarks inexcusable, adding, “I am deeply sorry.” Richards signed an overall development deal with Sony in 2019, and became executive producer of “Jeopardy!” and “Wheel of Fortune” in May 2020, positions he was to retain while hosting the quiz show. “Jeopardy!” is among the top-ranked syndicated programs and a valuable asset for Sony. (SD-Agencies) | 