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Jeopardy! has come under fire after featuring a clue about Kanye West during its March 20 episode, with some viewers criticizing the decision to highlight the rapper given his recent antisemitic remarks.
During the episode, contestant Alex DeFrank selected a $1,200 clue in the Double Jeopardy round under the category “The Song of Roland Drum Machines.” Host Ken Jennings read the clue, which referenced West’s 2008 album 808s & Heartbreak, explaining that the title referred to both the death of his mother, Donda, and the use of the Roland TR-808 drum machine. DeFrank correctly identified the artist, adding to his score, but the moment quickly sparked controversy online.
Many viewers expressed their frustration, with one Reddit user noting that this was the fourth Jeopardy! clue referencing West in 2024, calling for an end to such inclusions. Another user argued that the question should have been accompanied by a disclaimer, referencing West’s recent inflammatory remarks.
West, 47, made headlines in February after posting a series of antisemitic comments on X, including statements expressing admiration for Hitler and identifying as a Nazi. His remarks led to widespread condemnation and the brief deactivation of his account. In response, his talent agency severed ties, with agent Daniel McCartney announcing on February 10 that he could no longer represent West due to his “harmful and hateful remarks.”
Actor David Schwimmer also weighed in, urging Elon Musk to ban West from X, stating that silence in the face of such rhetoric amounts to complicity.
Jeopardy! has yet to respond to the backlash regarding the controversial clue.
