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 “Living Thing” category, with the incomplete phrase “_ N’R _ _ _” displayed on the board. As the wheel spun, Megan carefully chose letters, revealing “P_N_’ RC _ D” before taking a guess in the final ten seconds.
Megan quickly blurted out something akin to “Pink Orchid” or possibly “Something Orchid,” clearly frustrated that time was running out. When the puzzle revealed the correct answer, “Pink Orchid,” she visibly expressed her disbelief, but the show’s host, Pat Sajak, appeared to recognize that she might be right. After checking the prize card, he showed her an estimate of $40,000 — far more than the $14,007 she ultimately received.
Viewers watching from home, however, were outraged by the outcome, with many claiming that Megan’s response was clearly correct and unfairly dismissed. Social media erupted with protests from fans who believed the decision was wrong. One viewer tweeted, “She definitely said ‘PINK ORCHID’ right from the start!” Another, who is deaf in one ear and partially hearing in the other, argued, “I lip-read and use subtitles, and I’m sure she said ‘Pink Orchid.’ Without a doubt!” Others, visibly frustrated, demanded answers: “She said ‘Pink Orchid’! WTF, @WheelofFortune? You owe her money!”
The controversy has ignited a broader discussion about the fairness of *Wheel of Fortune*’s decision-making, as fans question the show’s 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 “Absolutely Positively” was ruled a valid rhyme, despite many fans arguing the two words don’t rhyme at all. One viewer wrote, “Hey @WheelofFortune, could you explain how ‘Absolutely Positively’ rhymes? Because they definitely don’t.”
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 game’s rulings.