‘Wheel Of Fortune’ Fans Angry Player ‘Robbed’ By Unfair Ruling
By
Bonnie Kaiser-Gambill
Longtime viewers of Wheel Of Fortune witnessed a contestant get a low blow during a recent episode. After watching, fans are appalled over one player being “robbed” by an unfair judgment call on the show.
Wheel Of Fortune‘s Player Stirs Up The Internet
During the Monday, February 3 episode of Wheel Of Fortune, fans were flabbergasted by a ruling. When contestant Arzice Salonga from Medina, Ohio, solved a puzzle, she had an unusual phrasing. But her distorted pronunciation choice cost her the win. Some people thought Ryan Seacrest could have argued on her behalf. However, many fans took to the Internet to express how they couldn’t believe the prize was stolen from her. Some even claim she was “robbed.”
Ryan Seacrest – Wheel Of Fortune – YouTube
Arzice Salonga Was ‘Robbed’ On Wheel Of Fortune
Arzice Salonga is a former Philadelphia Eagles cheerleader who took a shot at a toss-up puzzle. She had the “Event” category. On the board, Arzice had the letters “A F _ I _ _ N / _ A _ A _ _.” She had it figured out and answered, “African Safari.”
Wheel Of Fortune Contestant Arzice Salonga mispronounces answer. - YouTube
Wheel Of Fortune contestant Arzice Salonga mispronounces the answer. – YouTube
However, Arzice’s pronunciation of safari wasn’t the traditional sound. Instead, her version was “sa-ferry.” But Ryan Seacrest acknowledges the judges ruled that it was an incorrect pronunciation and passed it to the next player. Then, competitor, Brian Nelson, buzzed with the same answer and a clear, generally recognized pronunciation of the word. That answer won Brian the puzzle.
Wheel Of Fortune Fans Are Angry The Player’s Ruling Was Unfair
But Wheel Of Fortune fans were agitated by the unfair ruling. Some people added their thoughts on X. Many people thought Arzice deserved a break.
On X, one user declares, “C’mon bwana! That should have counted! 👎🏻.”
Another X commenter says, “This was a harsh judgment. I’ve heard a lot worse on Wheel that was allowed.”
“#WheelOfFortune Cmon, Wheel of Fortune 🤦🏽♀️ judges. I knew what she meant when she said African ‘Safari’ that way.”
Other People Wonder If There Was More Behind The Sound
Likewise, other Wheel Of Fortune fans jumped in on a Reddit feed to discuss the incident. Notably, some users thought a cheerleader turned law student should be able to articulate clearly. But many people think other issues were causing her words to sound different. Furthermore, other comments were about how Ryan Seacrest didn’t question the call like Pat Sajak would have.
On Reddit, some Wheel Of Fortune fans question if it was a speech impediment, an alternate first language, or a regional dialect that was the issue. Someone says, “I work with someone born and raised in Philly and they say all of their ‘ar’s like this. It catches you off guard until you’re used to it. Big bummer someone is punished because of regional dialect IMO.” Others noted she said “Bagbipes” mixing up sounds.
“They should have given it to her!”
“She was robbed IMO.”
One Wheel Of Fortune fan shares that there are multiple pronunciations. - Reddit
“That was cheap. I didn’t think they were so fussy on pronunciation.”
“100 percent bullsh*t on that puzzle. She got screwed. I know pronunciations matter but, like…there’s been way worse.”
What do you think? Was it an unfair ruling by Wheel Of Fortune not to let the pronunciation slide? Do you remember worse cases where people received a pass? Was WOF‘s judgment correct? Let us know your thoughts on the matter in the comments below.
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