Recent “Jeopardy!” champion Jake DeArruda is currently facing backlash on social media for his behavior on the show.
The 23-year-old won three games in a row last week, earning a total of $86,00, however, his streak came to an end last week. Although he is no longer on the show, some fans of the game show are still not happy with his behavior. He made several facial expressions throughout the episodes and even interrupted the “Jeopardy!” host Ken Jennings.
Now, a long-time producer of the show is speaking out regarding the backlash.
‘Jeopardy!’ Fans Dislike Jake DeArruda’s Behavior
Fans have been taking to Twitter to voice their frustrations with DeArruda, even claiming him to be the most “annoying contestant” to date.
“Jake DeArruda is the most insufferable contestant in the history of Jeopardy! He makes Mattea Roach seem almost tolerable,” one fan Tweeted.
Jake DeArruda is the most insufferable contestant in the history of Jeopardy! He makes Mattea Roach seem almost tolerable https://t.co/mLbWWcP2kX pic.twitter.com/cLbkoQiWWs
— Հetan0s ֍ (@hetan0s) February 2, 2023
“@Jeopardy Could you find a more annoying contestant than Jake DeArruda ???,” another said.
@Jeopardy Could you find a more annoying contestant than Jake DeArruda ???
— David Vukovich (@vukman61) February 2, 2023
While another Tweeted, “Jake DeArruda how about you show a little decorum when you’re on The Alex Trebek Stage at Sony Pictures Studios? Enough of these childish antics.”
Jake DeArruda how about you show a little decorum when you’re on The Alex Trebek Stage at Sony Pictures Studios? Enough of these childish antics
— Not The Demon Anymore (@tinylittlehomie) January 31, 2023
While another “Jeopardy!” fan voiced his opinion on the 23-year-old, saying, “Jake DeArruda is absolutely mind numbing to watch. Give me Yogesh over Jake any day of the week..”
Jake DeArruda is absolutely mind numbing to watch. Give me Yogesh over Jake any day of the week.
— JSN (@mbagsjs) February 1, 2023
Another Tweeted, “We are all at war with Jake DeArruda..”
We are all at war with Jake DeArruda.
— Daniel Reynolds (@aka_Reynolds) February 2, 2023
DeArruda’s streak came to an end last week, to which one fan spoke out saying, “Pretty sure even Ken Jennings is relieved to see Jake DeArruda go.”
Pretty sure even Ken Jennings is relieved to see Jake DeArruda go.
— Miso Butternoodles (@Maz_Mom) February 2, 2023
Although DeArruda lost last Wednesday to challenger Patti Palmer of Oklahoma, people are still talking about his behavior, and now a long-time producer is addressing the backlash.
‘Jeopardy’ Producer Addresses Backlash
Long-time producer Sarah Foss recently went onto the “Inside Jeopardy!” podcast where she spoke with the 2017 Tournament of Champions winner Buzzy Cohen about the current “Jeopardy!” champion, Jake DeArruda and the backlash surrounding his behavior.
“Let’s just talk about Jake,” Foss began the conversation.“He’s only 23 years old. Ken joked in a post-game chat he’s got t-shirts older than Jake. [He] was inspired by Matt Jackson, who was another very strong champion back when he was 23 and just mowed down the competition.”
The “Jeopardy!” producer went on to say how DeArruda’s friends have spoken fondly about him, adding ttat he is a “genuine, kind guy,” to which she agrees. “He certainly was that way to us in the studio when he was here,” she said on the podcast.
“I know everyone wants to share your comments, but it’s important to remember these are just people who are coming on the show they love and doing it the best way they know how to do it,” she continued.
“I’m encouraging everyone to show a little more compassion on the message boards, a little more compassion out there. Because, again, you would not want to switch places with any of these people and be under the scrutiny that we do put some people under,” she concluded.
“Jeopardy!” airs on ABC weekdays at 7 p.m. ET. Check your local listings.
