The drama on Wheel of Fortune hit new levels when longtime fan favorite Megan was left empty-handed after what looked like a winning answer. The beloved game show, hosted by Pat Sajak, is usually all about fun and fortune—but this time, it left fans fuming over what they see as a major injustice.
Megan, a high school choir director from California, was deep into the bonus round when the puzzle revealed the clue: “Living Things,” with the partial phrase “_ N’R _ _ _.” As the clock ticked down, Megan confidently called out “Pink Orchid” or something very close to it. When the final letters lit up showing “Pink Orchid” exactly, Megan was visibly upset—and viewers at home were stunned.
Sajak hesitated, then awarded her only $14,007 instead of the full $40,000 prize. That decision led to a wave of backlash online. Fans began sharing clips and audio, insisting that Megan’s answer was correct and should have been accepted. “I rewound the tape twice,” one viewer tweeted. “She 100% said ‘Pink Orchid’ in time. Give her the money!”
Others chimed in with similar thoughts, saying the show failed to recognize a clear win. Some even mentioned how hard it can be to hear every word on TV, especially if you’re lip-reading or using subtitles. “There’s no doubt in my mind,” another fan wrote. “She gave the right answer. This was a huge mistake.”
The controversy follows a previous incident where the show accepted an answer that didn’t rhyme in the Rhyme Time category, sparking more confusion and criticism. With back-to-back issues, fans are wondering if the show is losing its touch—or just making careless errors.
