Mike Richards steps down as Jeopardy! host after getting cancelled for old comments

"Dear Team - It pains me that these past incidents and comments have cast such a shadow on Jeopardy! as we look to start a new chapter," Richards said in a statement from Sony obtained by Fox News. "As I mentioned last week, I was deeply honored to be asked to host the syndicated show and was thrilled by the opportunity to expand my role," he said. "However, over the last several days it has become clear that moving forward as host would be too much of a distraction for our fans and not the right move for the show. As such, I will be stepping down as host effective immediately. As a result, we will be canceling production today."

"SPT will now resume the search for a permanent syndicated host," Richards continued. "In the meantime, we will be bringing back guest hosts to continue production for the new season, details of which will be announced next week."

"I want to apologize to each of you for the unwanted negative attention that has come to Jeopardy! over the last few weeks and for the confusion and delays this is now causing," Richards added in the press statement. "I know I have a lot of work to do to regain your trust and confidence."

Richards action comes after he apologized for comments that he had made while hosting "The Randumb Show" podcast from 2013 to 2014.

In a separate statement, Sony said that it supported Richards's decision to step down: "We were surprised this week to learn of Mike's 2013/2014 podcast and the offensive language he used in the past."

"We have spoken with him about our concerns and our expectations moving forward," said the statement from Sony, obtained by Fox News. "Mike has been with us for the last two years and has led the Jeopardy! team through the most challenging time the show has ever experienced. It is our hope that as EP he will continue to do so with professionalism and respect."

Earlier this week, Richard apologized for his comments in a statement to Fox News, pledging to do better in the future. "It is humbling to confront a terribly embarrassing moment of misjudgment, thoughtlessness, and insensitivity from nearly a decade ago," Richards said. "Looking back now, there is no excuse, of course, for the comments I made on this podcast and I am deeply sorry."

"The podcast was intended to be a series of irreverent conversations between longtime friends who had a history of joking around. Even with the passage of time, it's more than clear that my attempts to be funny and provocative were not acceptable, and I have removed the episodes," the statement continued. "My responsibilities today as a father, husband, and a public personality who speaks to many people through my role on television means I have substantial and serious obligations as a role model, and I intend to live up to them."

According to The Ringer, which reviewed all 41 episodes of the podcast, Richards repeatedly made comments that used offensive language disparaged women's bodies. Many of Richards' comments were aimed at cohost Beth Triffon, making snide remarks about her appearance and economic status. Richards also repeatedly uses derogatory slurs like the r-word and a derogatory term for little people. Earlier this week, all episode of "The Random Show" as well as their original platform were removed amongst the controversy.