Jeopardy! Contestant Heather Ryan recently spoke out about a sexist clue she encountered while appearing on the trivia show. The clue was in the “Complete the Rhyming Phrase” category and began with “Men seldom making passes…” Ryan completed the sentence with “girls who wear glasses,” to which host Ken Jennings immediately apologized, noting that it was problematic and expressing discomfort over the choice of words.
In an interview with Binghamton University’s student newspaper Pipe Dream, Ryan described the situation as odd and unexpected, stating that it made everyone, including Jennings, uncomfortable. She also highlighted the importance of being able to see, especially for younger girls who may feel self-conscious about wearing glasses. Despite the awkward clue, Ryan enjoyed her experience on the show, emphasizing that everyone was welcoming and she had a great time participating.
Ryan competed against Ian Taylor, a food sales rep from Cleveland, and Will Wallace, an Austin-based video game designer. Taylor ended up winning the game, with Ryan coming in second by just $1 in the Final Jeopardy round. Ryan decided to audition for the show after taking an online quiz in 2023 and filming her appearance in L.A. one year later. She saw Jeopardy! as a significant part of American culture and was excited to be a part of it.
The incident involving Ryan is just one in a series of gaffes on Jeopardy!, including a risqué joke by former contestant and show host Ken Jennings during his original run in 2004. Another controversy arose when Jennings old tweets resurfaced just before he started as a guest host following the death of long-time host Alex Trebek. In one tweet, Jennings made a derogatory comment about individuals in wheelchairs, prompting him to issue an apology, acknowledging that his words may have caused harm and expressing regret for his past actions.
The acknowledgment of the sexist clue and the surrounding controversy highlights the need for greater sensitivity and awareness on platforms like Jeopardy! Ryan’s response also brings attention to the importance of inclusivity and representation, especially in popular media. Moving forward, there may be a shift towards more conscious choices in the clues and themes presented on the show, and a greater effort to ensure that everyone feels respected and valued in the Jeopardy! community. As viewers and participants continue to speak out against instances of sexism and discrimination, there is hope for a more inclusive and equitable environment in the world of trivia and entertainment.
