Jeopardy! host Ken Jennings forced to apologise to female contestant over ‘problematic’ clue

The host of NBC’s Jeopardy! has been forced to issue and apology after his clue left many feeling uncomfortable.

The longest running quiz show for the network has been a family staple for years, and for those who manage to take their chances at winning money, it’s a great way to show off their wit and their skills in overall knowledge.

However, fans and even contestants were left with an icky feeling after host Ken Jennings spewed out a sexist clue on the show’s latest episode.

Ken Jennings is in hot water with fans (NBC)

On Monday 28 October, Jennings read a clue to contestant ‘Heather’, an incredibly smart woman who also happens to wear glasses…this is an important observation.

They were battling it out on the category ‘Complete the Rhyming Phrase’ when Jennings turned to Heather and recited a phrase which originates from something 1930s New York socialite Dorothy Parker famously said.

If you’re not sure about what this phrase is, Jennings recited: “Men seldom make passes at....”

The answer to his clue was: “Girls who wear glasses.”

Fans of the show were quick to hop on X, formerly Twitter to echo their disgust at the show and at Jennings, with one writing: “More like extremely problematic! #girlswithglasses #Jeopardy.” one person tweeted, with a second writing: “Jeopardy do better.”

“Still angry about this. She’s used her intelligence to get on here, only to be insulted by a sexist and rude comment. F***ing a**holes,” a third commented.

On Reddit, people had similar thoughts, and they were not very happy with the host.

“Rhyming phrases category was awful, especially the sexist clue,” said one.

A second wrote: “Frankly, I don’t need to hear Ken read an obviously outdated and inappropriate clue and then call it ‘problematic.’

“Maybe he can use his position to get it switched out before it goes out over the air.”

Another said: “It was a weird choice. There are plenty of other rhyming phrases to choose from that don’t make your contestants, your host, and your audience visibly uncomfortable.”

Even the contestants were stunned (NBC)

The outdated phrase was called ‘a little problematic’ by Jennings as he turned to the contestant: “Sorry, Heather.”

Fellow contestant Will Wallace, who ended up winning the game, chimed in that it was a ‘very’ problematic thing to say.

Jennings, 50, became the full-time solo host only last year after his co-host, Big Bang Theory actress Mayim Bialik surprised everyone when she claimed that Sony, the production studio, had let her go.

She wrote on Instagram: “I will no longer be hosting the syndicated version of Jeopardy!”

“I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to have been a part of the Jeopardy! family.

“For all of you who have supported me through this incredible journey, and to the fans, contestants, writers, staff, and crew of America’s Favourite Quiz Show, thank you.”

Jennings told the Hollywood Reporter about her shock announcement: “I’m gonna miss her.

“I can’t speak to her decision-making process or her opinions about it.”

Jennings and Bialik were co-hosts in 2020 after presenter Alex Trebek died from pancreatic cancer, and the two went on to alternate their hosting duties.

Bialik later became the solo host for the first season of a spinoff show called Celebrity Jeopardy!

Tyla reached out to NBC for comment.