Mike Richards is out as executive producer of "Jeopardy!" and "Wheel of Fortune"

Mike Richards will no longer serve as the executive producer of both "Jeopardy!" and "Wheel of Fortune," after past insensitive comments he made on his podcast resurfaced earlier this month. Sony Pictures had already decided to remove Richards as host of "Jeopardy!" — a role he coveted and won just weeks earlier. 

Suzanne Prete, executive vice president of business and strategy for "Wheel of Fortune" and "Jeopardy!", sent a memo to the shows' staffs announcing Richards' departure on Tuesday.  "I'm writing to let you know that Mike will no longer be serving as EP of Wheel and Jeopardy! effective immediately," Prete wrote in the memo, which was obtained by CBS News. "We had hoped that when Mike stepped down from the host position at Jeopardy! it would have minimized the disruption and internal difficulties we have all experienced these last few weeks. That clearly has not happened." Michael Davies, founder of Embassy Row production company, which is owned by Sony Pictures, will "help with production on an interim basis until further notice," Prete said. She thanked staff for their "cooperation and professionalism" and said she will "more involved in the day-to-day on our shows moving forward."