Wheel of Fortune fans are OUTRAGED after US host Ryan Seacrest’s strict pronunciation ruling cost a single mum contestant a heap of cash

Wheel of Fortune player ‘robbed’ over host’s ‘nitpicking’ pronunciation error

Wheel of Fortune fans are outraged after US host Ryan Seacrest’s strict pronunciation ruling cost a single mum contestant a heap of cash.

Ryan Seacrest denied contestant’s win due to her pronunciation (Image: Sony Pictures Television)

Wheel of Fortune viewers were left fuming this week after host Ryan Seacrest denied contestant Arzice Salonga, a law student and single mom from Medina, Ohio, a $1,000 win during the game’s first toss-up round due to her pronunciation of the word “safari.” Salonga, a former Philadelphia Eagles cheerleader, confidently buzzed in with “African Safari” as the answer to the puzzle “A F _ I _ _ N / _ A _ A _ _.” However, she pronounced “safari” as “sa-FAIR-ee,” which led to her answer being ruled incorrect.

Immediately after Salonga’s attempt, Brian Nelson from Longview, Texas, correctly pronounced the answer, winning the $1,000 prize. Seacrest confirmed the controversial decision stating, “Yes, safari is the way you have to say that,” and explained, “I just checked with our judges to make sure.” The incident sparked outrage among Wheel of Fortune fans on social media. On Reddit, one viewer exclaimed, “She was robbed IMO [in my opinion].” Another fan on X defended Salonga’s pronunciation: “Cmon, Wheel of Fortune judges. I knew what she meant when she said African ‘Safari’ that way.”

The player pronounced ‘safari’ as ‘sa-FAIR-ee,’ which led to her answer being ruled incorrect (Image: Sony Pictures Television)

Yet another viewer lamented: “Now they know good and well they should have given her ‘Sa-fair-ree’ yes it’s pronounced saFARi but still, slight cultural variation has been considered before.”

However, not all fans sided with Salonga. Some viewers maintained that correct pronunciation is crucial on a game show about words.

“Never heard someone mispronounce ‘Safari’ as ‘Sa-fair-ee,’” a user commented, while another argued, “I’m gonna go against the grain. Wheel is a show about words. You should pronounce the words correctly to win.”

The incident adds to a series of bizarre occurrences on the show since Seacrest took over as host.

In a notable episode last month, Seacrest was tackled to the ground by an overly excited contestant, Daniel, a Pittsburgh native, after he won the grand prize of $40,000.

Daniel’s enthusiasm spilled over after he correctly guessed “Guppies” in an intense bonus round, leading to an accidental knockdown of the host.

Although Seacrest was quick to reassure everyone with “I’m good, I’m good,” the announcer humorously chided, “Daniel, easy on our host, but celebrate with $40,000.”

Ryan Seacrest succeeded Pat Sajak as host of the iconic American game show after Sajak retired. (Image: Instagram )

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Seacrest became the new host of the iconic American gameshow following the retirement of the long-standing host Pat Sajak, who stepped down after four decades on the show.

The presenter is known for his roles on American Idol and Live with Kelly and Ryan, was officially announced as the new host in 2023 by Sony Pictures Television.

However, just a few months into his time as host, speculation has arisen about his future on the show alongside his trusty sidekick Vanna White.

A report from Radar Online claimed that Sajak might return to host the show, despite officially retiring in 2024. According to a source, Sajak never wanted to leave and was “forced” to retire.

The source suggested that Sajak wanted to come back and reclaim his old job.