“Wheel of Fortune” fans claim that a contestant gave the correct answer and got snubbed by the show, losing out on winning the grand prize of $40,000.
The controversy stemmed from the show that aired Tuesday, when Megan — a high school choir director from California — made it to the final round of “Wheel of Fortune” and ended up getting into the bonus puzzle round as well, TMZ reported.
Megan got through to the final round after winning $14,000 where she chose “Living thing” for her final puzzle. With the given letters to start out being “RSTLNE” the puzzle looked like “_ _N_ _R_ _ _ _.”
She then got the chance to add three more letters and the final puzzle read, “P_N_ _RC_ _ D.”
“Wheel of Fortune” fans are OUTRAGED over THIS $40K prize ruling! pic.twitter.com/BMVDZ2XrQN
— E! News (@enews) January 31, 2024
Fans of the show are convinced that Megan either said what sounded like “something” or “pink” “orchid” leading them to believe she gave the correct answer which was “Pink Orchid.”
They then took to social media to make it clear that they were disgusted that the contestant had lost and to push the idea she was robbed.
“There is no question, she absolutely said ‘pink orchid,’ one fan wrote on X. “Please give this girl her winnings! Rooting for you, Megan!”
Another added, “Okay Wheel of Fortune if you play tonight’s episode again for the final puzzle, the one that just aired, you will hear clearly that she said ‘pink orchid,’ You did not properly credit the winner. Go and play it back. Seriously, she said exactly that! ‘Pink Orchid!'”
While a third person wrote, “Wheel of Fortune We listened 5 times at high volume and will swear that Megan said ‘pink orchid’ for her first guess in the prize round Jan. 30th. Anyone else?”
Listening to the clip it’s clear Megan said “Pony Orchid” at one point, but unclear if she said “pink.” Plus, the fact that when the host Pat Sajak revealed the answer was “Pink Orchid,” it appeared that the contestant was surprised to learn the answer.
In 2023, the longtime host of the show announced he would be leaving at the conclusion of the current season.
“Well, the time has come. I’ve decided that our 41st season, which begins in September, will be my last,” Sajak tweeted on June 12. “It’s been a wonderful ride, and I’ll have more to say in the coming months. Many thanks to you all. (If nothing else, it’ll keep the clickbait sites busy!)”
Related: New Host Chosen To Succeed Pat Sajak On ‘Wheel Of Fortune’