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Mayim Bialik Finally Broke Her Silence On Mike Richards' Exit From "Jeopardy"

BuzzFeed
2 min read

Mayim Bialik is finally breaking her silence on the controversy surrounding Mike Richards' exit from Jeopardy.

Mayim smiles while attending an event
Amanda Edwards / Getty Images

Last month, the show's former executive producer stepped down as Alex Trebek's successor amid much public backlash.

Mike had been accused of making derogatory comments about women on podcasts as well as been involved in lawsuits from models on The Price Is Right, who alleged that male producers had harassed and discriminated against them.

Mike poses with an award on the Jeopardy set
Daytime Emmy Awards 2021 / via Getty Images

Meanwhile, Mayim was named host of Jeopardy's primetime and spinoff specials — but remained silent about what was going on behind the scenes.

In a new essay for Newsweek about her Jeopardy experience, Mayim finally spoke out about Mike's controversial departure.

"I think everyone who works with me will say that, as a person who has been acting since I was a kid, I go where I'm pointed and I do the job I'm told to do. I do what's in front of me. I don't really follow the news aspect of my industry too much," Mayim wrote.

Mayim wears glasses and a suit jacket at an event
Jerod Harris / Getty Images for The Environmental Media Association

She continued, "That's how I approached what was going on. Of course I was in touch with Mike as he was my boss at that time, and I don't wish ill on him, or anyone. But the complexity of these situations is not something that can be summed up easily."

Mayim wears a black wrap top at an event
Alberto E. Rodriguez / Getty Images

Mayim noted that her "first response" when everything went down was to ask the Jeopardy team "How can I help?" as she feels that they are now family.

While she didn't elaborate on her thoughts about Mike's wrongdoings, she did say how honored she was to be a part of the show.

Mayim smiles while wearing an off the shoulder dress at an event
John Wolfsohn / Getty Images

"I feel very honored to have been given the responsibility and the opportunity to step up into this hosting position. It’s been as dreamy as it was for the two days that I guest hosted...I feel very connected to the show, the legacy and everything that Alex and the team behind the scenes have built," Mayim concluded.

Mayim poses at an event
Jesse Grant / Getty Images

There has been no official decision about who will take Mike's place, but Mayim and Ken Jennings will be sharing hosting duties through the end of the year.

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