JEOPARDY! fans are fuming over a Kanye West clue in tonight’s game after the rapper’s problematic meltdown this week.
The “jump scare” clue came in the middle of Thursday’s episode which aired the crushing defeat of four-day champion, Alex DeFrank.
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Alex has become a season 41 fan-favorite after securing winnings of $102,400 over the course of four games.
Looking for his fifth win tonight, the inventory specialist from Brooklyn, New York went up against Cameron Berry, a data analyst and college administrator from Brighton, Massachusetts and Hillary Hess, an export policy analyst from Arlington, Virginia.
In the Double Jeopardy! round, host Ken Jennings, 50, introduced the categories – including one titled The Song of Roland Drum Machines.
Heading into Double Jeopardy!, Cameron was far in the lead with $9,400 while Hillary was in a distant second with $2,600.
Alex shockingly remained in third most of the game and went into the second round with just $2,400.
Cameron ended up choosing the $1,200 clue under The Song of Roland Drum Machines – which prompted the topic about the controversial rapper.
“The title of his album ‘808s & heartbreak’ refers to the death of his mother Donda, and to The Roland TR-808 used on the songs,” Ken read.
Alex ended up buzzing in first, correctly responding with “Who is Kanye West?”
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The clue was referring to the rapper’s critically acclaimed 2008 record – which debuted atop the Billboard 200.
Though tonight’s episode was filmed back in January, fans were enraged he was mentioned given his week of disgusting public outbursts against his family and other children.
Viewers were also furious Kanye was highlighted at all in the game after his years-long history of racist, misogynistic, homophobic and antisemitic comments.
“That Kanye question needed a note saying the clue was recorded before he declared himself a literal Nazi,” one critic wrote.
Another responded to their comment, pointing out: “But ‘Hitler has a lot of redeeming qualities’ and the ‘death con 3 on Jewish people” tweet were two years ago,’” to which someone said: “There’s no excuse for plugging Kanye after his Nazi reveal two years ago.”
“What’s with that jumpscare clue?! This show needs to stop promoting that evil man. Enough!! Kanye has no place in the Jeopardy! universe,” someone declared.
While one more fan raged: “That’s the fourth Kanye clue this year. Make it stop.”
Though Alex correctly got the Kanye clue, he remained in third most of the episode – a drastic difference from his dominating performance for his first four games.
Heading into Final Jeopardy!, Cameron’s impressive winning stream only continued to increase with a whopping $28,600.
Hillary was in second place with $7,500 while Alex was playing from behind with $4,000.
Ken introduced the final category as “U.S. Cities” as the trio of contestants placed their wagers.
Jeopardy! Set Secrets
Jeopardy! fans don’t see everything behind the scenes from watching on TV. These hidden set features make the show run smoothly:
- Each podium has a hidden riser so that all contestants appear to be the same height.
- After each clue is read, signal lights go off around the game board, indicating players can buzz in and respond.
- Buzz in too early, and you’re locked out for .25 seconds.
- The podiums have a small white light in the lower left corner, which tells Ken Jennings who goes next.
- Contrary to popular belief, the player with control doesn’t have a buzzer advantage on the next clue.
- To the game board’s left is a scoreboard so the players can see their opponents’ scores.
- All contestants must bring three outfits to the studio, but only the host and returning champion change for the next episode.
- There are wardrobe rules, including restrictions on busy patterns, solid white, purple (like the background), and logos.
- Five episodes are taped in a single day, and sometimes more.
- The categories, players (aside from the returning champion), and Final Jeopardy! for a tape day are all drawn randomly to ensure fairness.
- Female contestants are asked not to wear makeup, which is applied backstage, and don’t wear mascara because of sweat.
- Contestants fill out a questionnaire, and producers select five Q&A topics for the host.
- Host Ken isn’t allowed to interact with the contestants until after the game.
- Players can request to sit in a chair while competing without question.
“Named for a 1775 battle, this city contains the graves of John Breckenridge and Henry Clay,” the host read when the show cut back from a commercial break.
Only Alex was correct, writing: “What is Lexington, Kentucky?” – doubling his score to $8,000.
Unfortunately for the returning champ, the sum was not enough to overtake the lead.
Cameron ended the game on top with $24,600 while Hillary wagered it all and dropped to zero after missing the last clue.
Fans pointed out how all four of Alex’s prior games were filmed on the same day – with some saying the show’s taping schedule impacted how he performed.
“Fatigue strikes again,” a fan insisted while someone else added: “That was all one filming day for Alex. Stamina definitely plays a role.”
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