Current:Home > InvestPoinbank:Jeopardy! Contestant Speaks Out on Sexist Clue After Ken Jennings' Apology -FundPrime
Poinbank:Jeopardy! Contestant Speaks Out on Sexist Clue After Ken Jennings' Apology
Indexbit View
Date:2025-04-10 16:45:43
This Jeopardy! contestant will take Reactions for $200.
Heather Ryan is speaking out after going viral in late October thanks to a sexist clue on Poinbankthe hit game show.
In the category of “Rhyming Phrases,” the clue was: “Men seldom make passes at…” with the answer being “at girls who wear glasses.” Noticeably, Heather was the only female on stage and wearing glasses.
"It is definitely an odd choice,” Heather told Binghamton University’s student newspaper Pipe Dream on Nov. 6, per People. “I think it made everybody in the audience and on stage, and Ken Jennings too, a little uncomfortable. It was like, ‘Oh, that was unexpected.’”
In fact, host Ken apologized to Heather in the moment, calling the clue, “a little problematic,” and adding, “Sorry Heather.” Fellow contestant Will Wallace, who provided the correct answer, agreed with Ken at the time, saying, “Very.”
The comment was believed to have come from late poet Dorothy Parker.
As for Heather’s ideas for the game show moving forward: “Maybe we choose better rhyming phrases in 2024.”
Heather added that she was concerned for young girls who might have witnessed the exchange.
“Unfortunately, there are still girls who are [in] middle school, and they don’t want to wear their glasses and they’re losing out on their education,” she said. “So, I think it’s much better to be able to see than anything else.”
However, despite the viral moment, Heather enjoyed the experience, despite losing by only $1 in Final Jeopardy.
“I had a great time,” she said. “Everybody there was very welcoming. It’s such a part of American culture that I definitely wanted to go on when I got the call for it.”
She was also excited to be a part of the show’s prestigious history.
“It’s just a very special thing to play a small role in this big part,” she added. “It’s been running for 40 years, and so I got to play my part in it.”
Watch E! News weeknights Monday through Thursday at 11 p.m., only on E!.veryGood! (56897)
Related
- 2 killed, 3 injured in shooting at makeshift club in Houston
- Ahead of protest anniversary, Iran summons Australian envoy over remarks on human rights
- Jordan rejects US request to release ex-Jordanian official accused of plot against king
- Nobel Foundation raises the amount for this year’s Nobel Prize awards to 11 million kronor
- Stamford Road collision sends motorcyclist flying; driver arrested
- Ahead of protest anniversary, Iran summons Australian envoy over remarks on human rights
- He couldn’t see his wedding. But this war-blinded Ukrainian soldier cried with joy at new love
- Ahead of protest anniversary, Iran summons Australian envoy over remarks on human rights
- Dick Vitale announces he is cancer free: 'Santa Claus came early'
- Italy works to transfer thousands of migrants who reached a tiny island in a day
Ranking
- Justice Department, Louisville reach deal after probe prompted by Breonna Taylor killing
- Thailand’s opposition Move Forward party to pick new leader as its embattled chief steps down
- Providence's hurricane barrier is ready for Hurricane Lee. Here's how it will work.
- Bill Clinton and other dignitaries gather to remember Bill Richardson during funeral Mass
- Global Warming Set the Stage for Los Angeles Fires
- Things to know about Sweden’s monarchy as King Carl XVI celebrates 50 years on the throne
- Italy works to transfer thousands of migrants who reached a tiny island in a day
- Hunter Biden indicted by special counsel on felony gun charges
Recommendation
Biden administration makes final diplomatic push for stability across a turbulent Mideast
Preparing homes for wildfires is big business that's only getting started
Ryan Phillippe Pens Message on Breaking Addictions Amid Sobriety Journey
Buffalo Bills reporter apologizes after hot mic catches her talking about Stefon Diggs
Buckingham Palace staff under investigation for 'bar brawl'
China economic data show signs slowdown may be easing, as central bank acts to support growth
Bella Hadid Debuts Shaved Head in Futuristic Marc Jacobs Campaign
'I'm a grown man': Deion Sanders fires back at Colorado State coach Jay Norvell's glasses remark