I’ll take sexist phrases for $1,000, Ken.
During Monday’s episode of Jeopardy!, Ken Jennings was forced to apologize after he read a clue during the category, “Complete the Rhyming Phrase” that many viewers deemed inappropriate.
“Men seldom make passes at…” the game show host said to the contestants.
Will Wallace, the returning champion, buzzed in with the correct answer, “Girls who wear glasses.”
As if it wasn’t already bad enough the game show used an outdated phrase first used by poet Dorothy Parker in 1926, one of the contestants on the show was wearing glasses.
“A little problematic, sorry Heather,” Jennings replied after he accepted Wallace’s answer.
“Very,” added Wallace.
Online, fans were extremely critical of the decision to include the clue in the game.
“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,” one fan wrote in a Reddit thread for the episode.
“Agreed on all counts. Seemed like someone used a 1950s reference book to research the category,” another commented.
“Still angry about this. She’s used her intelligence to get on here, only to be insulted by a sexist and rude comment,” someone wrote on X.
The criticism didn’t stop there. Some fans went as far as to question the show’s vetting process for clues. “You’d think a show as smart as Jeopardy! would double-check for sensitivity, especially in 2024,” another user commented. Many viewers felt the clue’s inclusion reflected poorly on the show’s awareness of evolving social norms and sensitivities.
In response to the backlash, Jeopardy! released a brief statement acknowledging the incident and reaffirming their commitment to inclusivity and respect. “Our team works to ensure clues are inclusive and respectful,” the statement read. “We missed the mark this time, and we apologize to Heather and our viewers.”
Despite the criticism, some fans came to the show’s defense, arguing that Jennings’ apology on-air was sufficient and that Jeopardy! has a long-standing tradition of referencing classic literature and expressions. “It’s a cultural reference from a different era; let’s not overreact,” one fan wrote. Others noted that part of Jeopardy!’s appeal is its deep dive into language and history—even if it occasionally stirs controversy.
Meanwhile, Heather, the contestant in glasses, addressed the incident lightly on social media, tweeting, “No harm done, Ken. Just glad I knew the answer!” Her lighthearted response seemed to ease some of the tension online, with fans praising her grace and humor.
The incident served as a reminder of the delicate balance Jeopardy! faces in maintaining its intellectual edge while staying attuned to modern sensibilities.
