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.

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