Ryan Seacrest’s inaugural season as host of Wheel of Fortune has drawn both praise and criticism, but a recent episode ignited an intense debate among viewers.

On December 5th, a controversial moment during the triple toss-up round left fans divided over a ruling that cost a contestant $2,000 in prize money

The incident involved Jenn Walker, a contestant who confidently solved a puzzle but was disqualified due to a technical oversight, leaving fans questioning whether the show’s decision was fair.

The Puzzle That Sparked Controversy

The puzzle fell under the “Food and Drink” category, and tensions were high as the contestants vied for a $2,000 prize. Clint, the first contestant to buzz in, guessed incorrectly with “Well-Seasoned Meal.” Adrianne, the second contestant, hesitated after saying “Well…” and trailed off without completing her answer.

This left Jenn as the only eligible contestant to solve the puzzle. Seacrest, guiding the game, encouraged her to take her time since no one else could respond. Jenn confidently answered, “Well-Balanced Meal,” which was indeed the correct solution.

However, instead of celebrating her victory, viewers were stunned when Seacrest abruptly declared, “Buzzer!” He explained that Jenn had not buzzed in before giving her answer, a rule violation that resulted in her disqualification from the round.

Source: YouTube

A Shocking Decision
The seemingly minor oversight—failing to press the buzzer before answering—led to a decision that sparked widespread criticism. The studio audience and viewers at home were left in disbelief as the prize was denied to Jenn.

Seacrest paused to consult the producers, asking, “She didn’t buzz but gave an answer?” The final decision was to enforce the rules strictly, disqualifying Jenn and withholding the $2,000 prize.

Despite the controversy, the game continued, with Clint emerging as the overall winner with $26,150. Jenn finished in second place with $20,490, but the mishap appeared to rattle her confidence during the final spin, possibly affecting her performance.

Mixed Reactions to Seacrest’s Hosting
Ryan Seacrest, who took over hosting duties from Pat Sajak earlier this season, has faced mixed reviews during his tenure. While his debut has brought Wheel of Fortune its highest ratings in three years, some fans have noted occasional missteps.