‘Wheel of Fortune’ Fans Furious After Contestant Loses Car Over Technicality
Fans are once again airing their frustrations with Wheel of Fortune after another technicality robs a contestant of a big prize win.
On Tuesday’s episode of the long-running game show, contestant Charlene Rubush made it into the Bonus Round with $16,500. To add an Audi Q3 to her prize haul, all she had to do was solve a puzzle in the “What Are You Doing?” category. Simple enough.
Rubush’s first guess was “Choosing the right card,” which was close but not the correct last word. As the timer ran down, Rubush came in with another guess, this time answering, “Choosing the right… word.” This was the correct answer; however, Rubush was denied the prize due to a minor technicality regarding pauses.
“You know, this one’s tough because you said all the right words, including the word ‘word’ but, as you know, it’s gotta be more or less continuous,” explained host Pat Sajak, referring to the pause Rubush took before saying “word.”
Sajak continued: “We’ll allow for a little pause but not four or five seconds. I’m sorry. You did a good job in getting it, but we can’t give you the prize, and it was the Audi.”
If Rubush had only answered one second sooner, she could very well have been driving away in a brand new Audi. This harsh ruling had some viewers at home up in arms, and they took to social media to let their voices be heard.
“I can’t choose the right “word” to explain how the #WheelofFortune just took the Audi away from the person who correctly got the puzzle right but lost on a technicality,” wrote one fan, adding #bahhumbug to his tweet.
Another viewer threatened to never watch the show again, stating, “I’m done! I’m with that lady. She deserves that Audi! That rule is the most dumbest thing ever! She had it right before the time was up!”
I can’t choose the right “word” to explain how the #WheelofFortune just took the Audi away from the person who correctly got the puzzle right but lost on a technicality. #Sad. #bahhumbug
— Patrick Bird (@PatrickDBird) December 22, 2021
Wheel of Fortune, you just lost a viewer. “I am choosing the right word” to never watch this show again. #WheelofFortune #choosingtherightword
I’m done! I’m with that lady. She deserves that Audi! That rule is the most dumbest thing ever! She had it right before the time was up! pic.twitter.com/cwJGhXBaYq— TalinOrfaliGhazarian (@TalinOrfaliGhaz) December 22, 2021
#WheelofFortune really screwed up tonight! Charlene solved the puzzle!!! She earned that Audi!
— Griz Girl (@Griz1Girl) December 22, 2021
@ ‘wheel of NO fortune’ you owe that woman a car! She got screwed! @Audi please step up – give Charlene a damn car for #Christmas @WheelofFortune #WheelofFortune #audi #audiA3
— jamie k (@jamiebeth1) December 22, 2021
Ha, exactly!!!! It wasn’t a technicality. She beat the buzzer!!!! I never heard ohhh you took too long. Fix it @WheelofFortune #WheelofFortune
— Linda (@lindame1us) December 22, 2021
#WheelofFortune robbed that girl of an Audi. Shame.
— Kali 🥥 (@kalicoconuts) December 22, 2021
Despite the lack of new car, Rubush appeared more than happy to be leaving the show with $16,500 in her pocket and a free vacation.
Wheel of Fortune, Syndicated, check local listings
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R
You know the rules going into the show. All these idiots complaining about the rules just show's their ignorance. Let it go people!
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B
I'm sure that all contestants are fully briefed on all rules before the show. No plurals if the answer is singular and vice versa, don't stick an "and" into the solution etc. If there is a stipulation about dragging out the answer just as there is during the lightning rounds where the contestants ring in, then she blew it. To be fair though, the bonus puzzle has it's own timer so, IMO, she got it right.
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G
Since the shows are taped ahead, it may be awhile before we see it resolved.
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O
I mean, she did pause for literally 6 whole seconds.... Dont want to get screwed over by the production team for an Audi Q3? Dont put yourself in the position for them to be able to do so. At least she still won $16,500...
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G
The Audi has zero cost to the production. The car dealer/manufacturer donates the car in exchange for it being featured on the show which is cheap advertising for national exposure.
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O
Audi is giving her the car anyway, so relax.
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C
I'm 77 and I haven't missed very many shows, that being said, I couldn't believe it! who cares if she hesitated, I got it right and she deserves the prize. Shame on Wheel of Fortune.
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G
They should give the prize because she got it correct. Many people are saying they are not going to watch the show anymore .
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O
There have been several controversial ordeals at this show. Life is tough and it seems to be The Wheel of Misfortune. #youngjock #choosingtherightword
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