Interim Jeopardy! host Ken Jennings apologized for some insensitive Tweets this afternoon. The game show legend had drawn some attention for past comments and decided to own up to them before getting the full wrath of spectators. He posted a thoughtful thread about the nature of jokes and how they can cause harm even when that isn’t the intent behind them. Multiple fans responded with kind words and encouragement after his messages. Jennings had become something of a fun presence on the platform and drew a lot of attention during the pandemic’s Tournament of Champions. The tragic passing of Jeopardy host Alex Trebek also drew the spotlight onto the man that was viewed as the personality’s greatest rival on the program. Hopefully, someone out there will read his tweets on the Internet and think twice before hitting that send button because what we post is forever.
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Hey, I just wanted to own up to the fact that over the years on Twitter, I’ve definitely tweeted some unartful and insensitive things. Sometimes they worked as jokes in my head and I was dismayed to see how they read on screen. 1/x
— Ken Jennings (@KenJennings) December 30, 2020
“Hey, I just wanted to own up to the fact that over the years on Twitter, I’ve definitely tweeted some unartful and insensitive things. Sometimes they worked as jokes in my head and I was dismayed to see how they read on-screen,” Jennings explained. “In the past, I’d usually leave bad tweets up just so they could be dunked on. At least that way they could lead to smart replies and even advocacy. Deleting them felt like whitewashing a mistake.”
Jeopardy! announced that the former Champion would be stepping into the hosting role soon after Trebek’s passing earlier this year.
“Alex believed in the importance of Jeopardy and always said that he wanted the show to go on after him,” executive producer Mike Richards said in a statement. “We will honor Alex’s legacy by continuing to produce the game he loved with smart contestants and challenging clues. By bringing in familiar guest hosts for the foreseeable future, our goal is to create a sense of community and continuity for our viewers.”
What do you think of Jennings’ statement here? Let us know down in the comments! Check out the responses down below:
More from the GOAT
In the past, I’d usually leave bad tweets up just so they could be dunked on. At least that way they could lead to smart replies and even advocacy. Deleting them felt like whitewashing a mistake. 2/x
— Ken Jennings (@KenJennings) December 30, 2020
Sorry for all the trouble
Sometimes I said dumb things in a dumb way and I want to apologize to people who were (rightfully!) offended. It wasn’t my intention to hurt anyone, but that doesn’t matter: I screwed up, and I’m truly sorry. 4/x
— Ken Jennings (@KenJennings) December 30, 2020
Be kind people
If 2020 has taught us anything, it’s that we should be kinder to one another. I look forward to heading into 2021 with that in mind. 5/x
— Ken Jennings (@KenJennings) December 30, 2020
Quick support
I very much respect the sentiments expressed in this thread. Good on ya, Jennings. We’re behind you.
— LindsayAMBrown (she/her) (@LindsayAMBrown) December 31, 2020
People pulling for him
You’re a breath of fresh air Ken. Much respect.
— mrrrf (@philm117) December 30, 2020
Apologies can be tricky
It takes a big person to come out and say that. It means you own up to your mistakes and your willing to listen and learn
— Shanna (@ShannaChamp) December 31, 2020
Interesting perspective
An apology made out of need isn’t an apology; it’s damage control. The lack of obligation is what makes truly kind gestures so kind. If he doesn’t “need” to make an apology, all the better that he did.
— ⛧Ⓜⓔⓛⓛ⛧ Est. 1312 🏳️🌈🏳️⚧️ ✊🏿✊🏾✊🏽✊🏼✊🏻 (@Mellebore) December 30, 2020
Underrated.
Underrated tweet.
— I’m the manager…can I help you Karen? (@HamiltonGrady1) December 31, 2020
