‘Wheel of Fortune’ Fans Slam Ryan Seacrest for Laughing After Teacher Loses $100,000
Ryan Seacrest is getting backlash from fans for seemingly laughing at a Wheel of Fortune contestant after losing out on a big prize. On Friday, March 7, contestant Jim Venckus, from Downers Grove, Illinois, wasn’t popping a champagne cork after making it to the Bonus Round.
The recently retired educator played against Samantha Rizzo, from Hoboken, New Jersey, and Krystin Godfrey, from Pelham, Alabama. Rizzo is a former NFL cheerleader. Godfrey is a photographer.
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Venckus, a drummer and singer in two bands – What She Said and Electric Cars- guessed the second toss up, “Buff Lifeguard,” giving him $2,000 right off the bat. He got to spin the wheel first for the category “Song Lyrics.” However, on his second spin, he landed on the Bankrupt wedge, ending his turn and emptying his bank. The other two game show contestants landed on Bankrupt during the round as well, bringing them all down to $0. Venckus solved the puzzle – “Just you and I defying gravity” from Wicked – giving him $4,900.
The former high school teacher solved “Making sand angels ” to win the prize puzzle and a trip to the Carribean. This brought his total to $24,350. Despite Venckus not winning any of the tossups at the end or the final puzzle, he still won the game with almost $25,000. Rizzo went home with $11,600, and Godfrey left with $4,000.
Venckus got to the Bonus Round, and he brought his wife, Stacy, who also retired from teaching, and his parents with him. He chose “What are you doing?” for the category. After being given “R,S,T,L,N, and E,” Venckus picked “C,D,M, and A.” After that, his puzzle looked like “_ _ _ _ _ N_ T_E C_R_.” All he could say was, “Something the corn,” but that was not right.
“Popping the cork,” was the answer.
“I think you needed a little more of a head start,” Seacrest said. He opened the envelope to reveal $100,000. Venckus put his hands up to his face and groaned while the host smiled. He seemed to chuckle at his loss while announcing his final total.
Wheel fans on Reddit pointed out Seacrest’s expression and slammed him for it. “Why does Ryan think it’s funny when someone loses $100,000?” the original poster asked. “Since Ryan took over, anybody noticed Ryan smiling and pretty much laughing when $100,000 is lost in the Bonus Round?”
“Yes, I got that too…. strange laughter over such a big laugh.. not funny,” said another.
“Could just be nervous energy. If I were on the show and lost $100,000 I’d prob laugh too. It would be the only thing keeping me from cursing and crying lol,” added another.
“I think it’s a laugh like oh noooooo! I think he always feels bad when people lose. He seems to really enjoy seeing people win,” one fan commented.
“I see what you mean, but it doesn’t come across to me like laughing at them – more like commiserating, “we have to laugh so we don’t cry,” releasing the awkward moment of the reveal. It’s also still a time to celebrate because the contestant has other winnings,” a fan defended.
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R
Everyone is too critical. I’d hate to be on Tv trying to replace an icon like Pat Sajak. I think Ryan Seacrest is doing a good job
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G
I agree with you Sue. I don’t understand all the negative comments towards Ryan. I think he’s doing fine. People are too critical.
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B
I could replace pat just by showing up.he had to have notes on everything he was going to ask the contestants because even prevegen couldn't help anym
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O
If people would take a closer look at the video they would see the contestant was also laughing.
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O
the didn’t lose $100,000…he didn’t win it in the first place
24 1
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B
Geeze ...its a game show people . Lighten up
22 1
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G
I’m in Jim’s (the contestant’s) band The Electric Cars. We heard the whole story and he couldn’t be more complimentary of Ryan, Vanna and the whole WoF staff. He loved every minute!
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G
My husband made me laugh at the foot of our daughter's hospital bed when we didn't know if she was going to survive long enough to be moved to ICU because laughter can heal me faster than tears and I needed to answer a few questions from the medical staff.
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O
God Bless you folks 🙏 How is your daughter now?
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F
are you a cars coverband?
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G
I am a fan of Seacrest.l prefer him than Pat Sajak
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O
I don’t think it’s a huge deal to laugh. I mean, he said “something in the corn” heck, I would be laughing if I was him! That’s funny!
9 1
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O
Right! 🤣
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C
What is wrong with people? Ryan wasn't laughing AT the contestant. People are so opinionated!
8 1
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O
So Ryan laughed. He was not laughing at the contestant. Probably trying to lighten the mood. It was great the contestant won money.
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O
I think they just need to leave Ryan alone. He doing a great job. He has no controll over the sets decor. Or what the envelope the contestants pick.
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G
I wish he wasn't the host. I watched WOF from al.ost the beginning. I have never liked him, ever since he "cozied" up to the fabulous Dick Clark and Casey Kassum and giving us that huge fake smile. His worse sin is putting that Karditrashy/Jenner family on tv. Ugh! My opinion and I will not apologize for disliking his phoniness.
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P
I'm gonna go out on a limb here and guess you're not much of a people person huh?
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B
This is ridiculous
Stop the whinning people if you don t like it stop watching
Every host is different and have different ways of approaching things
Watch it and enjoy or don't just stop complaining
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P
First off, I order to loose 100k you have to have it first, he simply didnt wint it, second, it wasn't a malicious smirk, third people need to get a life grow a backbone stop being snowflakes, what do people want Ryan to do? cry and hug the guy for loosing? People need to look at their own lives before they start criticizing others.
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F
its really hard to please complete assholes.keep it up ryan.
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R
I don't like Ryan and I wish he'd take his hands out of his pockets!!
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O
Why do some of u people think Ryan was laughing about him losing the money? The contestant was laughing himself. Really he wasn’t be a smart ass at all. He is doing a great job! People just need something to complain about.
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P
He can't lose something he never had. I didn't win the money, but he didn't lose it either.
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C
The contestant laughed didn’t he? Or was I hearing things? If he laughed then what’s the problem with Ryan laughing
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G
I agree with you Fred. The contestant is the one who laughed not Ryan.
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O
Exactly. I think Ryan laughed sort if as a result of the contestant laughing.
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O
These people who are picking on Ryan need to get a life. He is not Pat Samarkand and Pat definitely left some very big shoes to fill. Let him make his own way. He’s still feeling it out and trying hard. Let him make his own mark.
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P
Oh please. You all need to get a life. I saw that episode and didn't think he laughed at him losing. Jesus... you're all KAREN'S!!!!
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G
The laugh heard was the contestant not Ryan. Ryan was smiling but not laughing.
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O
Not a big deal don't sweat the little things
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O
WHO CARES??? Anyone who has to say somerhing about Ryan has no life.
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O
Like to see them do it.
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O
Ryan is a great host! Find something better to do than criticize Ryan! Get s life.
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C
I think that you people need to get a life. Seacrest is way better than pat sajak. It's a game show. All you people take shit way to seriously and just need to chill. If he bothers you that much watch something else.
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G
Laughing? He smiled. Seacrest haters.
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G
Not a big fan of seacrest
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