Wheel of Fortune fans went ballistic after a major Bonus Round controversy on the December 5 episode. Amanda Brown, a dancer from San Diego, was literally a heartbeat away from snagging a $40,000 prize. Unfortunately, the judges called her answer too late. Viewers watching live weren’t impressed and flooded social media with debates over whether she got robbed of a massive payday.
Wheel of Fortune judges’ decision to deny bonus prize to a contestant sparks controversy
Amanda Brown went head-to-head with Kristopher Oliviera from College Park, Maryland, and Sammie Anderson from Plymouth, Massachusetts. She dominated the toss-ups and prize puzzles, quickly taking the lead. Brown solved “Buying an Engagement Ring” and “Sensational Rides” in the prize puzzle round, racking up $20,878 in cash and goodies, including a dream trip to Walt Disney World.
With her family cheering from the sidelines, Brown chose the Bonus Round and picked “Food & Drink.” She started with the usual R, S, T, L, N, and E, then added P, M, H, and A, leaving the puzzle as “MAPLE TA_ _ _.”
As the clock ticked down, she guessed “Maple Takes,” “Maple Tazzy,” and finally “Maple Taffy.” However, the buzzer went off the exact moment she got it right. Judges ruled it too late, snatching the $40,000 bonus away and leaving her with $22,878 total.
Fans went absolutely ballistic online, claiming Brown had the answer in on time. One YouTube user suggested that the judges should have gone to the commercial & check to see if the buzzer or her solve came first.” Others fired off comments like, “She was robbed! She said it in time,” and “That judge should be fired!” Fans tuning in also argued the show’s timing rules may have been applied incorrectly.
The entire fiasco shows just how intense game-show moments can get under the public microscope. Wheel of Fortune has been running for decades, and sticks to strict timing and judge rules in the Bonus Round. However, fans are arguing that Brown’s answer should’ve counted.
Originally reported by Rishabh Shandilya on ComingSoon.
