For a show based in science and facts, Dr. Oz’s temporary hosting gig on “Jeopardy” is antithetical to its very purpose, argue hundreds of former contestants and fans.
As of Tuesday, more than 500 former contestants, as well as dozens of fans, have signed a petition slamming Mehmet Oz’s two-week stint at Alex Trebek’s lectern.
“Dr. Oz stands in opposition to everything that Jeopardy! stands for,” reads the public letter, originally published in late February.
“Throughout his nearly two decades on television he has used his authority as a doctor to push harmful ideas onto the American public, in stark contrast with his oath to first do no harm.”
The petition specifically calls out Oz’s promotion of unproven supplements, legitimization of gay conversion therapy, “dangerous” autism “cures” and the use of hydroxychloroquine as a treatment for COVID-19.
“None of these things is backed by any scientific fact and by promoting them he is actively putting his viewers in danger … And what kind of message does this send to the LGBTQ+ and autistic contestants and viewers of ‘Jeopardy!?’ ” the letter reads.
“Dr. Oz represents what has become a dubious trend in America: the elevation of the credentialed talking head at the expense of academic rigor and consensus. We once viewed intelligence and genius as something that a single heroic intellect could embody.”
Among the signatories are New Hampshire volunteer guardian ad litem Kerry Greene, who competed in the 2015 Tournament of Champions, and Georgia software engineer Alan Dunn, who was bested by James Holzhauer.
“Jeopardy! is known for being incredibly rigorous; a well-deserved reputation,” the petition reads. “As contestants, we’ve all seen what happens behind the scenes if there’s any doubt about a question. We’ve seen writers and judges frantically cross-reference answers in real time to make sure that the facts are accurate. To then invite Dr. Oz to guest-host is a slap in the face to all involved.”
Oz began his hosting gig Monday, following Ken Jennings, executive producer Mike Richards and Katie Couric. Also on the schedule are Aaron Rodgers, Anderson Cooper, Savannah Guthrie, Mayim Bialik, Bill Whitaker and Sanjay Gupta.
A spokesperson for “Jeopardy” did not immediately return a request for comment.
