Jeopardy!Host Ken Jennings Apologizes to Female Contestant After Reading 'Problematic' Sexist Clue

Mar. 15, 2025

Ken Jennings.Photo:Christopher Willard/ABC via Getty Images

Christopher Willard/ABC via Getty Images

Ken Jenningsis offering an apology.

On the Oct. 28 episode ofJeopardy!,Jennings gave a hint to an answer that offended some viewers — and a participant.

During the “Complete the Rhyming Phrase” category, the host read the clue, “Men seldom make passes at…” The answer: “Girls who wear glasses.”

After reading it, Jennings noted that it was “a little problematic” to say and proceeded to apologize to a contestant, health program director Heather Ryan, who was wearing glasses.

“Sorry, Heather,” he said.

“Very,” another contestant named Will Wallace added.

Ken Jennings.Eric McCandless/Disney

Eric McCandless/Disney

First serving as aguest host, Jennings took over the position permanently in December 2023. Jennings is known as one of the greatestJeopardy!contestants of all time, winning 74 consecutive games in 2004.

In January 2020,Trebek hostedthe game show’sGreatest of All Timetournament, where Jennings competed against fellowJeopardy!greats James Holzhauer and Brad Rutter. Jennings took home the crown, winning $1 million, while Holzhauer and Rutter were each awarded $250,000.

“It has taken 15 years for Ken Jennings to finally answer the question, ‘Is he as good as he appeared to be in that great run onJeopardy?’” Trebeksaid after Jennings’ win.

He lateropened uptoMark ConsuelosandKelly Ripaabout whether he was always that smart, and his answer might surprise some.

“I was a pretty good student,” he said. “My worst grade ever — I don’t think I ever failed a test — but my worst grade on my résumé is a C+ in seventh grade Home Ec. My worst subject.”

“My creme puffs were amazing," he continued. “Then we got into the sewing units, and my apron was terrible. I put one of the straps on backwards, and when I realized, I was like, ‘You know what, I don’t actually care. I’m not going to redo this.’”

He concluded jokingly, “I got the C+ I deserved.”

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Jeopardy!airs weeknights on ABC (check local listings).

source: people.com