Jeopardy! host Ken Jennings issued a delayed apology after an October 24 episode included a clue about the viral meme character John Pork that upset some viewers. John Pork, known for having a pig's head on a human body, has been popular on platforms like Instagram and TikTok since at least 2018.
During the "Daddy, Is There Really A…" category, the clue described John Pork as "AI-generated," sparking criticism online. Many fans pointed out that John Pork existed well before the recent rise of generative AI content, making the description inaccurate.
Though John Pork is currently considered "deceased" by internet lore, the character has maintained a lasting presence online. The meme's quirky appeal continues despite evolving digital trends.
“When we played a clue recently on Jeopardy! on John Pork, I remarked that I didn’t understand a word of it.”
Jennings admitted he didn't fully grasp the reference at the time and acknowledged that the meme is familiar mainly to those very active online.
Ken Jennings apologized after Jeopardy! mistakenly called longstanding meme John Pork “AI-generated,” showing the gap between internet culture and traditional media perception.