Contestant Reveals How Sexist Clue Affected Jeopardy Set

Heather Ryan had an eventful experience on Jeopardy despite a controversial moment caused by a "problematic" clue. In the Oct. 28 episode, Ryan, a health program director from Binghamton, NY, competed against Ian Taylor and four-day champion Will Wallace. The clue in the "Complete the Rhyming Phrase" category was: "Men seldom make passes at…” with the answer "girls who wear glasses."

Upon realizing Ryan was wearing glasses, both Ken Jennings, the host, and Will Wallace quickly apologized, with Jennings calling the clue "a little problematic." Ryan later admitted that the moment created an awkward shift in the studio, saying it made everyone, including the audience and Jennings, uncomfortable.

Reflecting on the incident, Ryan suggested the show could choose more thoughtful rhyming phrases, especially since many young girls avoid wearing glasses and risk falling behind in their education. She emphasized the importance of being able to see clearly, rather than worrying about appearance.

Despite the awkwardness of the clue, Ryan spoke positively about her overall Jeopardy experience. She said, "It was a great time," noting that everyone involved was welcoming and supportive. While she didn’t win, Ryan came in second, losing by just $1, as recorded by the J! Archive.

Ryan also expressed gratitude for being part of such an iconic show, which has been a staple of television for over 40 years. The show originally debuted in 1964 before being revived in 1984 with Alex Trebek as host. After Trebek’s passing in 2020, a series of guest hosts filled in, including Katie Couric, Aaron Rodgers, and LeVar Burton.

By December 2023, Ken Jennings became the sole host of Jeopardy after Mayim Bialik stepped down in solidarity with striking members of the Writers Guild of America. Ryan expressed pride in playing a small role in the history of a show that has been beloved by viewers for decades.