Additional Coverage:
- Ryan Seacrest called out by ‘Wheel of Fortune’ fans for how he reacted to a teacher losing $100,000 (marketrealist.com)
“Wheel of Fortune” fans are once again turning their attention to host Ryan Seacrest, this time criticizing his reaction to a contestant’s near miss at a $100,000 prize.
Recently retired educator Jim Venckus of Downers Grove, Illinois, had a rollercoaster ride on the show. After an initial stumble landing on Bankrupt, he rallied, solving puzzles and winning a trip to the Caribbean along with $24,350 in cash.
Going into the bonus round with his wife cheering him on, Venckus chose the category “What are you doing?” Unfortunately, he couldn’t quite crack the code, guessing “Something the corn” instead of the correct answer, “Popping the cork.”
It was Seacrest’s reaction to the reveal of the $100,000 prize that Venckus missed out on that sparked controversy. Some viewers felt Seacrest’s apparent chuckle and awkward smile were inappropriate responses to the contestant’s disappointment. Online forums lit up with comments questioning the host’s empathy, with some suggesting his high salary made him less sensitive to the contestant’s loss.
However, other viewers defended Seacrest, interpreting his reaction as an attempt to diffuse the awkward moment, a nervous laugh rather than a mocking one. Some pointed out Seacrest’s consistently “goofy” expressions when revealing bonus round prizes, suggesting his demeanor was simply misinterpreted. The debate continues, highlighting the ongoing scrutiny faced by Seacrest as he fills the shoes of longtime host Pat Sajak.