The internet is buzzing yet again with a Wheel of Fortune mishap that’s as hilarious as it is platypus-ly perplexing.
In the April 30 installment of the beloved game show, Kimberly Wright, hailing from Apopka, Florida, made a costly mistake in her guess, resulting in a loss of $7,250.
In the express round, as the puzzle board displayed “D U _ _ – _ _ L L E D PLATYPUS,” Wright chose to guess an additional letter instead of attempting to solve the puzzle.
Despite “duck-billed platypus” being the obvious answer, Wright, possibly valuing internet infamy over cash, decided to spice things up by asking Pat Sajak for an “F” instead. Why make it easy when you can make it memorable?
Instead, competitor Marie Kioski cracked the puzzle, securing the prize money along with a trip to the Margaritaville Vacation Club Rio Mar in Puerto Rico.
Of course, footage of Wright’s Wheel of Fortune blunder found its way to X (formerly Twitter).
Social Media Lampoons the Disgraced ‘Wheel of Fortune’ Contestant
Wheel of Fortune fans took to social media faster than a spin of the wheel, in disbelief over Wright’s unbelievable miss. “[It] was clearly duck-billed platypus and the lady asked for an F she’s like reverse autocorrect,” an exasperated fan tweeted.
“Oh my, that was painful. F??” one another fan wrote. “She thought the platypus was filled? with what exactly?”
“I have never been more enraged watching wheel of fortune,” a third fan added. “Where did this lady think an F was going to go in this puzzle?” another fan wrote, adding a thinking face emoji.
Since its debut in 1975, “Wheel of Fortune” has been a television staple. However, the show is on the cusp of undergoing a significant transformation.
At 76, Pat Sajak has witnessed numerous mistakes over his forty years as host. Yet, the ongoing 41st season marks his farewell. The esteemed television host plans to retire on June 7, concluding with a season finale fittingly named “Thanks for the Memories,” according to Rotten Tomatoes.
“It’s been a wonderful ride, and I’ll have more to say in the coming months. Many thanks to you all. (If nothing else, it’ll keep the clickbait sites busy!)” Sajak shared on X. He will remain as a producer for the series for the time being.
Ryan Seacrest is set to replace Sajak, while Vanna White will continue her cherished role as the letter-turner on the ABC show.