Mike Richards Out As ‘Jeopardy!’ Host

Mike Richards, the executive producer of "Jeopardy!", announced Friday he is stepping down amid recent scrutiny on his past.

Just a day after issuing an apology for past derogatory comments he made about women on a podcast in 2014, Richards shared a letter with “Jeopardy!” staff.

The letter, provided to NBC News, read: “It pains me that these past incidents and comments have cast such a shadow on Jeopardy! as we look to start a new chapter.”

"I was deeply honored to be asked to host the syndicated show and was thrilled by the opportunity to expand my role," Richards 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," the statement continued.

He also revealed that Sony Pictures Television, which produces the show, will now "resume the search for a permanent syndicated host." Meanwhile, the show will continue to feature guest hosts.

Richards was one of several guest hosts who helmed the show after Alex Trebek's death, from late February to early March.

In the meantime, he will continue to serve as the show's executive producer, a spokesperson for Sony confirmed to NBC News.

Recently, the executive producer faced intense scrutiny over alleged past behavior, riling up longtime fans who claim producers are derailing a venerable game show that has been a mainstay of American syndicated television since 1984.