JEOPARDY! have issued an apology to Travis Kelce after viewers claimed a clue ‘threw shade’ at the NFL star.
Host Ken Jennings read out the clue in question as it appeared on-screen.
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Jeopardy! fans felt a recent clue “threw shade” at NFL legend Travis KelceCredit: Alamy
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Ken Jennings read out the clue, as seen aboveCredit: ABC
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Derek, one of the contestants in studio, correctly linked the clue to TravisCredit: ABC
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 35-year-old has been in a relationship with singer Taylor Swift since 2023.
A player in the studio, Derek, correctly associated the clue with Travis.
One fan wrote on Instagram: “This is really what we’re stooping to?”
Another commented: “Ouch that’s got to sting.”
A third chimed in: “Never thought I’d unfollow Jeopardy lmao, this is disgusting….”.
In response, the show captioned their Instagram post of the clue with: “Sorry to this man”.
This tongue-in-cheek apology references a meme stemming from actress Keke Palmer.
The 31-year-old is perhaps best known for the title role in Nickelodeon’s True Jackson, VP.
Speaking to Vanity Fair, the star addressed if her character – VP of a fashion company- was a better vice-president than Dick Cheney.
Keke replied: “I hate to say it, I hope I don’t sound ridiculous.
“I don’t know who this man is. I mean, he could be walking down the street, I wouldn’t know a thing.
“Sorry to this man.”
The 2019 quip ultimately took on a life of its own as a meme.
Meanwhile, Jeopardy! fans previously slammed the show for using a “sexist and rude clue”.
Host Ken read out: “Men seldom make passes at…”
Travis Kelce The Actor
NFL star Travis Kelce recently landed his first major acting role and has a new cameo
The Kansas City Chiefs tight end plans to become a “heavyweight” figure in music and entertainment.
Kelce has seen his star power rise after going public with his girlfriend Taylor Swift last summer.
The 34-year-old has been cast in FX horror series Grotesquerie, directed by American Horror Story creator Ryan Murphy.
Kelce will appear in the show alongside Niecy Nash-Betts, Courtney B. Vance, and Lesley Manville.
In August, Adam Sandler confirmed Travis will make a cameo in his upcoming Happy Gilmore sequel.
Last year, Kelce made his debut as a host of Saturday Night Live.
He discussed playing in the Super Bowl against his brother Jason, and his 2016 reality dating show ‘Catching Kelce’.
To which contestant Will correctly answered: “Girls who wear glasses?”
However, Ken soon realised this may have made contestant Heather uncomfortable since she wore glasses on the show.
He quickly said: “A little problematic, sorry, Heather.”
Poet Dorothy Parker initially coined the phrase back in the 1920s.
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Travis plays as a tight end for the Kansas City Chiefs
