Ken Jennings, host of Jeopardy!, issued an apology following criticism over a clue related to an internet meme called John Pork. Jennings said,
“John, I hope you’ll forgive me and all of us at 'Jeopardy!' for any insult we may have committed against you or your memory.”
John Pork is a bizarre internet meme featuring an anthropomorphic pigman with a human body and a pig’s head. This character has appeared on Instagram and TikTok since 2018. The meme is known for its silly and confusing nature, similar to viral jokes like the “6-7” joke. As one Reddit user put it, John Pork represents “Internet nonsense that is aimed at bored teenagers.” Sometimes, the meme is simply used to confuse older generations.
Despite its silliness, the meme has inspired a user-generated “lore.” Fans have created an elaborate backstory involving John Pork’s nemesis, Tim Cheese—a rodent-man with a mouse’s head and human body. According to this fan fiction, John Pork was allegedly killed by Tim Cheese, though the reasons differ.
Given John Pork’s internet popularity, Jeopardy! included him in a clue during the October 24 episode, within a category titled “Daddy Is There Really A…”
Despite its niche appeal, the clue stirred backlash, prompting Jennings' public apology.
Ken Jennings apologized after a controversial ‘Jeopardy!’ clue about the odd online meme John Pork sparked backlash, highlighting the challenges of internet culture crossing into mainstream media.