Entertainment News
Mike Richards, the executive producer of Jeopardy! and a leading candidate to succeed the late Alex Trebek, has recently addressed past lawsuits lodged against him during his time on The Price Is Right. Following reports that Richards is a front-runner for the hosting position, fans began to uncover troubling allegations related to his previous work on various game shows.
Before becoming the executive producer for Jeopardy! and Wheel of Fortune in 2020, Richards was involved with a number of widely recognized shows, including The Price Is Right and Let’s Make a Deal. He was even considered as a potential host for The Price Is Right after Bob Barker’s retirement in June 2007, although Drew Carey ultimately took on that role. However, Richards’ time at CBS was not without its controversies, as recent complaints have come to light.
Allegations of Discrimination
Among the allegations, Richards faced accusations of pregnancy discrimination from a former model on The Price Is Right. In 2010, Brandi Cochran filed a lawsuit claiming mistreatment during her pregnancy which resulted in a miscarriage and complications for her surviving child. Cochran alleged that Richards communicated less frequently with her after she revealed her pregnancy, suggesting that she might have faced termination had her pregnancy been disclosed earlier. Ultimately, she won $8.5 million in damages in 2012.
Further Complaints
In a separate case, model Lanisha Cole claimed that Richards stopped engaging with her almost a decade into her tenure, communicating only through notes and intermediaries. She also alleged that he showed favoritism towards another model with whom he reportedly had a relationship. Although Richards was not named in the final settlement of Cole’s lawsuit, the show’s producers were implicated in multiple complaints during his reign.
Richards’ Response
In a memo addressed to Jeopardy! staff, Richards acknowledged the controversies, stating, “These were allegations made in employment disputes against the show. I want you all to know that the way in which my comments and actions have been characterized in these complaints does not reflect