In January 2024, a growing controversy surrounding *Wheel of Fortune* has sparked outrage among fans, who believe contestant Megan was unjustly denied a $40,000 prize for what they argue was a correct response. Megan, a high school choir director from California, faced a bonus puzzle under the âLiving Thingâ category, with the incomplete phrase â_ NâR _ _ _â displayed on the board. As the wheel spun, Megan carefully chose letters, revealing âP_N_â RC _ Dâ before taking a guess in the final ten seconds.
Megan quickly blurted out something akin to âPink Orchidâ or possibly âSomething Orchid,â clearly frustrated that time was running out. When the puzzle revealed the correct answer, âPink Orchid,â she visibly expressed her disbelief, but the showâs host, Pat Sajak, appeared to recognize that she might be right. After checking the prize card, he showed her an estimate of $40,000 â far more than the $14,007 she ultimately received.
Viewers watching from home, however, were outraged by the outcome, with many claiming that Meganâs response was clearly correct and unfairly dismissed. Social media erupted with protests from fans who believed the decision was wrong. One viewer tweeted, âShe definitely said âPINK ORCHIDâ right from the start!â Another, who is deaf in one ear and partially hearing in the other, argued, âI lip-read and use subtitles, and Iâm sure she said âPink Orchid.â Without a doubt!â Others, visibly frustrated, demanded answers: âShe said âPink Orchidâ! WTF, @WheelofFortune? You owe her money!â
The controversy has ignited a broader discussion about the fairness of *Wheel of Fortune*âs decision-making, as fans question the showâs judgment on a variety of issues. For instance, earlier in January, viewers were enraged over a decision during the *Rhyme Time* category, where the phrase âAbsolutely Positivelyâ was ruled a valid rhyme, despite many fans arguing the two words donât rhyme at all. One viewer wrote, âHey @WheelofFortune, could you explain how âAbsolutely Positivelyâ rhymes? Because they definitely donât.â
With these two incidents fueling a growing backlash, *Wheel of Fortune* is facing increasing scrutiny from its audience, who are demanding more transparency and fairness in the gameâs rulings.