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For whatever reason, Thursdays and Fridays tend to be the busiest in the world of entertainment and this week is no different. Earlier this morning, newly hired Jeopardy! host Mike Richards announced that he would be parting ways with the show. Richards's decision to leave the show shortly comes after several media outlets pointed out that he was tied to two sexual harassment lawsuits during his time as a producer for The Price Is Right. More recently, sexist and racist comments he made during a podcast several years ago resurfaced online.
“It pains me that these past incidents and comments have cast such a shadow on Jeopardy! as we look to start a new chapter,” Richards wrote in a brief statement.
"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. As such, I will be stepping down as host effective immediately. As a result, we will be canceling production today."
With Richards moving on from the show, fans have begun asking, "Who will host the show next?" Throughout the summer, Good Morning America anchor Robin Roberts, Green Bay Packers Quarterback Aaron Rodgers and former Jeopardy! champion Ken Jennings auditioned to become the show's next host. However, one person has received more online support from viewers than any other potential host. His name is LeVar Burton.
More than 250,000 people have signed a petition demanding that Burton become the show's next host. Like Roberts and Rodgers, Burton also had the opportunity to host the show for one week. Unfortunately, he was slotted to host the show during the Olympics as the program's airtime changed each day, making it more difficult for viewers to find the show. With a second chance available, fans are hoping that Burton will be the show's ultimate choice.
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