Jeopardy! recently issued an apology thanks to a recent clue concerning football player Travis Kelce. The clue referenced a new job Kelce has taken on in addition to his personal life. That said, some fans noticed something familiar about the apology.
The Joke Talked About Travis Kelce’s Significant Other
The clue, which was worth $200, was part of “The TV Show in Question” category. As it read, “‘Are You Smarter Than A Celebrity?’” is hosted by this man who’s maybe more famous as a BF than as a 3-time Super Bowl champ.”
The correct response was “Who is Travis Kelce.” In addition to his new hosting gig, the clue also referenced his relationship with pop singer Taylor Swift. One contestant, Derek, quickly gave the correct response.
Some fans took issue with the joke on social media. As noted by The U.S. Sun, one Instagram user wrote, “This is really what we’re stooping to?” Another added, “Never thought I’d unfollow Jeopardy lmao, this is disgusting.”
Travis Kelce’s relationship with Taylor Swift has recently become the interest of pop culture. For example, the Lifetime Christmas movie, Christmas in the Spotlight, which revolves around an athlete and a singer who fall in love in time for the holidays, might have been inspired by Kelce and Swift’s real-life relationship.
The show’s official Instagram account, however, has issued an apology of sorts in response to the joke. Paired with a screenshot of the clue, it read: “Sorry to this man.”
The Apology Might Be Familiar To Keke Palmer Fans
Reportedly, the tongue-in-cheek apology refers to a meme connected to Keke Palmer. The meme originates from an apology Palmer gave in a Vanity Fair interview after being unable to identify Dick Cheney.
Some Instagram users took the apology in good humor. Some joked that the clue should have cut out the middleman and just asked who Taylor Swift’s boyfriend was. Another, who seemed to recognize the meme, wrote, “Whoever wrote the caption deserves a raise.”
This isn’t the only time Jeopardy! apologized over a joke in recent history. In the October 28 episode, a clue in the “Complete The Rhyming Phrase.” asked contestants to finish the phrase, “Men seldom make passes at…” The intended response was “What is Girls Who Wear Glasses.”
While it refers to a quote from Dorothy Parker, some found the phrase sexist, especially out of context. What made things more awkward was that one of the contestants during the episode, Heather, indeed wore glasses. This cause hot Ken Jennings to apologize to her.
Did you see the episode with the Travis Kelce clue? What do you think of the apology? Make sure you come back to TV Shows Ace for all the latest TV and celebrity news.