The news that the popular TV trivia game show “Jeopardy!” decided against selecting actor LeVar Burton as its next host was met with almost as much outrage as the fact that he was passed over for someone with an alleged history of harassing and discriminating against women.

The show had been looking for a permanent replacement for Alex Trebek after the longtime host died in November.

JEOPARDY CHOSE *TWO* HOSTS AND NEITHER IS NAMED LEVAR BURTON.

— Lil Uzi Hurt (@lostblackboy) August 11, 2021

Instead of Burton, the show chose to go with Mike Richards, who is already the executive producer of “Jeopardy!”

Me trying to create a show right in this moment for @levarburton to host and make an international hit. pic.twitter.com/VS9g1WHPEb

— Ava DuVernay (@ava) August 11, 2021

Actress Mayim Bialik, known for her starring role on the 1980s sitcom “Blossom” and other TV shows, will also host the shown in a separate capacity.

The pair was a curious choice considering fans seemingly expressed the most excitement during Burton’s stint hosting the “Jeopardy!” last month as he and other hopefuls were given week-long duties that essentially served as auditions for the permanent hosting gig.

LeVar Burton appreciation post pic.twitter.com/rmcItBcpoG

— Meena Harris (@meena) August 11, 2021

In a candid interview with the Associated Press, Burton said hosting was a bit “scary” initially but became fun. Burton found his stride with his wife, make-up artist Stephanie Cozart Burton, coaching him in between shoots. 

Any signs of a rough start could not be seen during the first two shows, with Burton’s cool demeanor and winning smile lighting up the stage. He seemed at home at the podium, like he was made to be there.

It’s not Levar Burton so we don’t care anymore Jeopardy. https://t.co/lX2p8nX3dm pic.twitter.com/9RCi8jqEPV

— BlackWomenViews Media (@blackwomenviews) August 11, 2021

Burton has been open about his desire to host the show since 2013. After a public campaign to have Burton replace the late Alex Trebek as “Jeopardy!” host, including a petition with close to 260,000 signatures, producers finally added him to the guest host roster. 

That’s what makes the selection of Richards even more curious, what with his checkered past that includes being accused of harassment and discrimination on multiple occasions.

Us: Hire LeVar Burton.

Sony: How about a predatory White EP that’s only been on the show for less than a year?

Us: No, we want LeVar Burton.

Sony: What if we give you that same White guy we promised before, BUT we throw in a Zionist that you loved in sitcoms?

Me: pic.twitter.com/fFj9MgR2tm

— Prince of all Saiyans (Ꮵ ᏣᎳᎩ) (@Tchalla_Fett) August 11, 2021

The Daily Beast brought attention last week to Richards’ tenure working as executive producer for the TV game show, “The Price Is Right,” where models accused him and others of harassment and discrimination.

A lawsuit from model Brandi Cochran said she was fired from “The Price Is Right” because she was pregnant and alleges Richards claimed at the time that “he liked the models to look as if they were going out on a date.” Cochran’s lawsuit alleges that Richards became “annoyed” when he learned she was having twins. She was fired after she gave birth and ultimately won $8.5 million in a decision that was overturned months later, prompting the parties to settle out of court.

Also: I still believe LeVar Burton was the best person for the job, and I will die on this hill.

— Charlotte Clymer (@cmclymer) August 11, 2021

Another model sued “The Price Is Right” producers, including Richards, for allegedly discriminating against her because she was pregnant. That case, the Daily Beast reported, was met with doubt by the judge and thrown out because the lawsuit was filed after the statute of limitations had expired.

In yet another sexual harassment and wrongful termination lawsuit, Richards was named before being dropped as a defendant.

It was a good run Jeopardy. I’m going going to stop watching with the memory of LeVar Burton as my host. https://t.co/iP5bEoP7au

— Robert Daniels (@812filmreviews) August 11, 2021

It was in that context that the good folks who run “Jeopardy!” decided that Richards would be the best person to take over permanent hosting duties.

I have said many times before I love me some @missmayim in any and every genre or form I can get her.

I am very happy for her. Know that.

Still, the way the search was handled did @levarburton dirty.

That’s not on Mayim.

That’s on @jeopardy & the powers that be. #Shame

— yvette nicole brown (@YNB) August 11, 2021

Critics suggested that Bialik’s inclusion as a special host who will only handle primetime shows and not the regular daily version was meant to deflect negative attention from Richards’ past.

SEE ALSO:

LeVar Burton Hosting ‘Jeopardy!’ Is Black Joy Personified

White Jeopardy Contestants Avoid Black History Month Questions

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