Last year, the shocking murder of Gabby Petito by her fiancé Brian Laundrie sent shockwaves across the nation. Their tragic story gained widespread attention through a popular podcast that shed light on Laundrie’s violent nature. Recently, the game show Celebrity Jeopardy decided to include a clue about Laundrie, which sparked outrage among fans.
The clue in question was part of a category themed around the letter “A.” The clue read, “In 2021, fugitive Brian Laundrie ended his days in Fla’s Myakkahatchee Creek area, home to these long & toothy critters.” The answer, of course, was “What are alligators?”
While some viewers were able to solve the clue, many felt that it was tasteless and insensitive to include a reference to Laundrie, given the heinous nature of Petito’s murder and the recent occurrence of the tragedy. People were appalled that Jeopardy would give any kind of platform or recognition to someone who committed such a terrible act.
Social media was filled with comments from upset fans expressing their disappointment. One person wrote, “Jeopardy! just had the most absurd question I have ever seen in my life.” Another commented, “This is the most tasteless and insensitive answer I’ve ever seen on any Jeopardy! show. Making light of that tragic situation is repugnant.” The public outcry continued, with one user stating, “That Jeopardy! question mentioning Brian Laundrie and the answer was alligators?? What the actual hell, that was so out of line. Not necessary! There was no reason to mention him at all.”
It is understandable why fans were deeply upset by this clue. Laundrie confessed to killing Petito, leaving behind a written confession in a notebook before taking his own life. The couple’s cross-country road trip was marred by relationship troubles, with Laundrie displaying violent behavior. Petito’s murder was a horrific act, and many felt that it was inappropriate for Jeopardy to include a clue that seemed to trivialize or make light of the situation.
The episode of Celebrity Jeopardy was hosted by Mayim Bialik and featured contestants John Michael Higgins, Wil Wheaton, and Joel Kim Booster. Wil Wheaton, known for his role in Star Trek: The Next Generation, emerged as the winner of the night.
It is crucial for game shows like Jeopardy to consider the sensitivity of their content and its potential impact on the viewers. The inclusion of this clue about Brian Laundrie has clearly struck a nerve, leaving many fans disappointed and appalled.
