When Ken Jennings apologizes for a controversial Jeopardy question, you know there’s a story to unravel.
Sometimes, Jeopardy can miss the mark in trying to stay current with sensitive topics.
Other times, it’s puzzling how a well-known game show like Jeopardy could make such a blunder.
This time, a Jeopardy question raised eyebrows for its sexist nature, potentially directed at a contestant. Fortunately, Ken Jennings swiftly issued an apology.
Ken Jennings speaks onstage at the screening of “The Small Back Room” during the 2024 TCM Classic Film Festival on April 18, 2024. (Photo Credit: Jerod Harris/Getty Images for TCM)
Why did Ken Jennings apologize to a ‘Jeopardy’ contestant?
During the Monday, October 28 episode of Jeopardy, contestants were tasked with completing a rhyming phrase.
The phrase began with: “Men seldom make passes at …” The correct answer, “girls who wear glasses,” sparked controversy due to its sexist and ableist origins from poet Dorothy Parker.
The question created discomfort, particularly as contestant Heather Ryan, a woman wearing glasses, was part of the game.
Ken Jennings swiftly acknowledged the question as “a little problematic” and issued an apology directly to Heather.
Fellow contestant Will Wallace also chimed in with his agreement on the inappropriateness of the question.
Ken Jennings participates in the Inaugural Inside JEOPARDY! live event at Edge at Hudson Yards on April 12, 2024. (Photo Credit: Roy Rochlin/Getty Images for Edge at Hudson Yards)
After that ‘Jeopardy’ gaffe, did Heather Ryan at least win?
Despite receiving an apology from Ken Jennings, Heather Ryan did not secure a victory in the game.
She ended up in second place, and what’s more remarkable is that she lost by just a $1 margin.
While the apology was appropriate, the question shed light on the cultural impact of such phrases and the need for sensitivity in all aspects of entertainment.
It’s not common for Ken Jennings to apologize for errors, but as proven, slip-ups occur even on esteemed shows like Jeopardy.
Given that many women who wear glasses have experienced unwanted advances, the cringe-worthy question struck a chord with viewers.
Ken Jennings visits SiriusXM Studios on January 06, 2020. (Photo Credit: Dia Dipasupil/Getty Images)
Is Ken Jennings doing a good job as host?
After the tragic loss of Alex Trebek, Jeopardy experimented with various guest hosts, some more controversial than others.
Among the lineup of guest hosts like LeVar Burton and Ken Jennings, Ken Jennings emerged as a fitting choice. His history as a champion on the show adds authenticity to his role as host.
Winning over an audience in such a significant role is undoubtedly a challenge, but Ken Jennings has navigated it with grace.
FAQs
Is Jeopardy known for controversial questions?
Jeopardy has had moments where questions or categories sparked controversy or discomfort among viewers due to their content.
How did Ken Jennings handle the apology for the questionable question?
Ken Jennings promptly acknowledged the inappropriateness of the question and directly apologized to the contestant involved.
Did the contestant, Heather Ryan, respond to the situation?
Heather Ryan accepted the apology graciously, but the incident emphasized the need for more sensitivity in the show’s content.
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