Jeopardy host Ken Jennings has sparked online debate after using sarcasm to dismiss calls from transgender activists to boycott The New York Times’ word games. Jennings sarcastically claimed he received “express permission from the trans community” to keep his games subscription, taking aim at demands that readers boycott all New York Times products.

Backlash from Trans Activists

Transgender activists have spoken out against The New York Times over what they’ve described as anti-trans coverage, arguing that web traffic and subscriptions to products like its games financially support the outlet. Jennings’ joke has since sparked pushback from transgender activists online, who accused him of trivializing their concerns.

Jennings has previously voiced support for transgender rights, even taking to social media in July 2025 to call out California Gov. Gavin Newsom’s stance on transgender youth. However, his recent comment has been met with criticism, with some users calling his response “dismissive” and telling him to “read the room”.

Original reporting: Fox News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.