Mike Richards is out as executive producer on Jeopardy! and Wheel of Fortune following his series of scandals.
Suzanne Prete, EVP, Business and Strategy, Wheel of Fortune and Jeopardy!, sent an internal note to the show's staff explaining the embattled TV personality would step down effective immediately. The shocking news comes shortly after Richards recently announced he was stepping down as the new Jeopardy! host — at the time, Richards said he would remain on the show as EP.
Prete seemed to allege Richards' position as EP has been too compromised by the sexual harassment and discrimination claims lodged against him for him to effectively continue on with his role on the highly-respected show.
She said she hoped Richards' exit from hosting duties would have “minimized the disruption and internal difficulties" Sony Pictures Television has experienced over the past few weeks. However, that “clearly has not happened," Prete blatantly pointed out, per Deadline.
Prete further explained Embassy Row’s Michael Davies would help on an interim basis until further notice. "Michael and I will work together with all of you in the weeks ahead to ensure that production remains on schedule and we do not miss a beat as we head into the new season," the note to the staffers read.
While noting it has been a "challenging time for the entire team," Prete thanked the crew for their "cooperation and professionalism over these last few weeks."
