‘Jeopardy!’ Turns Mary Todd Lincoln Into Drag Queen Mockery

“Jeopardy!” disrespected the legacy of one of America’s most iconic women by airing a segment April 14 that depicted a distorted version of Mary Todd Lincoln.

Non-binary actor Cole Escola dressed in drag and mocked Mary Todd Lincoln with an exaggerated portrayal  for an entire category of answers on “Jeopardy!” and immediately sparked backlash for disrespecting Mrs. Lincoln’s place in American history. Escola stars in the hit comedy “Oh, Mary!” on Broadway. The theatrical production centers around the famous first lady in the weeks leading up to the assassination of Abraham Lincoln and puts a twist on her life by portraying her as an obsessive alcoholic. Viewers were unimpressed by the disrespectful depiction.

John Wilkes Booth assassinated President Abraham Lincoln on April 14, 1865, while the late president attended a comedy showing at Ford’s Theatre. His wife was among those who joined him in the box on that night.

Escola’s time on the game show wasn’t short-lived. The actor read every answer as Lincoln, complete with makeup and a wig. He made a disgraceful mockery of the first lady right from the star.

“I’m Mary Todd Lincoln, as you’ve never seen her before,” Escola said while dressed in drag.

Escola overdramatized the lengthy answers, which were complete with slides to aid with the visuals.

“In 1839 I went to live with my sister Elizabeth and her husband in this Illinois city and met Abe. Sure, we broke up once before we got married there, but everything worked out great for us. Right?” Escola said while mimicking Lincoln’s voice at the end.

Half-length portrait of Mary Todd Lincoln, First Lady of the United States and wife of Abraham Lincoln, wearing patterned dress, 1861. Note: Image has been digitally colorized using a modern process. Colors may not be period-accurate. (Photo by Gado/Getty Images)

A contestant named Andrew chimed in with the question, “What is Springfield?” and increased his points on the scoreboard.

Critics were quick to air their grievances about the dishonorable depiction.

@BlueCrystalTear weighed in to say, “This is not how you commemorate an anniversary of a tragedy. Trying to be funny about it only ends up as cringe in the worst way. Do better, Jeopardy.”

4th May 1861: Mary Todd Lincoln, wife of Abraham Lincoln, the 16th President of the United States, dressed for his inauguration. (Photo by Library Of Congress/Getty Images)

User @dadsongs wrote, “I can’t find the humor in this, especially on April 14th, the 160th anniversary of one of the most tragic days in American history.” (RELATED: Conan O’Brien Roasts Trans Actor Karla Sofia Gascón In Oscars Opening Monologue)

Others responded with the comments, ” Mrs Lincoln is rolling over in her grave” and “The is the creepiest shit I’ve ever seen.” User @mmjhcb summed up their feelings with three short words: “This is insulting.”