Note to Alex Trebek: it’s the tail end of the year 2017. Not 1957. Stop with this ridiculous treatment of your female contestants, please 😐 @Jeopardy pic.twitter.com/9QaDDTUnrD
— ChristinaS (@stinasays) December 20, 2017
Alex Trebek is being called sexist after asking an Army Master Sergeant if she found her job difficult because she was a woman.
During the interview portion in the middle of the first round of Tuesday’s episode of Jeopardy!, Trebek caused quite a stir on social media after asking retired Army Master Sergeant Lisa Beth Davis about her role in the military.
Videos by PopCulture.com
“That must be really tough for a woman because a master sergeant is giving orders most of the time. How was it for you?” he asked Davis, who took the question in stride.
“I’m pretty bossy. I’m the oldest, so I know how to tell people what to do,” she said.
“Do you have brothers?” Trebek asked.
“I have sisters,” Davis responded.
“So you learned how to do it? Good for you,” Trebek said before moving on to the next contestant.
Twitter was aflurry with negative comments about the longtime Jeopardy! host, calling him “sexist” and inviting him to live in the 21st Century.
Alex Trebek just asked an Army Master Sergeant if her job was really tough because she was a woman…..#Jeopardy pic.twitter.com/xDGeOUjA2s
— Harmony Lloyd (@harmonymist) December 20, 2017
Alex Trebek just said to a female retired USMC master sergeant contestant “Was that hard for you to give orders all the time, since you’re a woman?”
That is some really bold sexism, especially directed at a former US military officer. #Jeopardy
— Charlie Fook (@CharlieFook) December 20, 2017
Alex Trebek actually asked a contestant tonight (retired master sargeant) if her job was hard because she was a woman who had to give orders. Geez, Trebek, spend much time in the 21st century? #jeopardy #itmightbetimetoretire
— Judith Hyatt Bellack (@JudyBellack) December 20, 2017
Alex Trebek: “Being a master sergeant must be hard for a woman because you have to give orders all the time.”
— Mary Faurot (@MaryFaurot) December 19, 2017
That sexism isn’t even subtle.
Others suggested he should have asked what she accomplished in her position.
um, Alex Trebek just said it must have been hard for a woman to be an Army Master Sergeant because she was a female…really?? Why not ask her what she accomplished in her position. Do better @Jeopardy.
— Abby Hodges (@abby_hodges13) December 20, 2017
Davis came in second place, which means she won’t be around for Wednesday’s episode. TMZ reports that there are 1,265 active female Master Sergeants in the Army.
Most Viewed
-
(Credit: Rafa Jodar / Getty Images) -
NORTH BERGEN, NJ – AUGUST 23: Exterior view of a Walmart store on August 23, 2020 in North Bergen, New Jersey. Walmart saw its profits jump in latest quarter as e-commerce sales surged during the coronavirus pandemic (Photo by Kena Betancur/VIEWpress via Getty Images) -
TV talk show with female celebrity flat vector illustration. Woman sitting on sofa and talking with host, discussing news in studio. Videographers filming broadcasting. Television, interview concept -
A ring of vibrant marigold flowers with glowing candles at the center, set against a dark background. (Credit: Eduardo Monroy Husillos / Getty Images) -
Netflix logo is displayed during the 'Paris Games Week' on November 02, 2017 in Paris, France. (Credit: Chesnot / Getty Images) -
NEW YORK CITY – DECEMBER 19: "Toil and Trouble" – Elsbeth is thrown into the world of television after the showrunner of a long-running police procedural is brutally murdered in his office, and although it appears to be the act of a disgruntled fan, she begins to suspect the show's longtime star Regina Coburn (Laurie Metcalf) who yearns for artistic fulfillment. Meanwhile, Judge Crawford (Michael Emerson) continues to be a thorn in Elsbeth's side, on the CBS original series ELSBETH, Thursday, Dec. 19 (10:00-11:00 PM, ET/PT) on the CBS Television Network, and streaming on Paramount+ (live and on demand for Paramount+ with SHOWTIME subscribers, or on demand for Paramount+ Essential subscribers the day after the episode airs). Pictured (L-R): Carrie Preston as Elsbeth Tascioni and Carra Patterson as Kaya Blanke. (Photo by Michael Parmelee/CBS via Getty Images) -
Official promotional artwork for <em>The Voice</em> -
PASADENA, CALIFORNIA – DECEMBER 29: The Rose Parade letters and 2026 theme "The Magic in Teamwork" at the Tournament of Roses House on December 29, 2025 in Pasadena, California. (Photo by Kirby Lee/Getty Images)
