A technicality on "Wheel of Fortune" has left fans of the beloved show spinning.
Earlier this week, contestant Charlene Rubush was impressing the classic game show's studio and at-home audience entering the Bonus Round with $16,500. But timing was everything as Rubush tried to solve a puzzle in the "What Are You Doing" category.
While thinking over answers for the puzzle, as Yahoo reported, Rubush uttered, "Choosing the right card,” which was incorrect. With time still left on the clock, Rubush made another attempt by saying, "Choosing the right...word" before the buzzer sounded. With that being the correct answer, it seemed Rubush had won an Audi Q3. But her luck was about to change over a technicality.
From all his years hosting the beloved game show, host Pat Sajak no doubt felt the frustration rise from the crowd, as anyone watching felt Rubush got the puzzle right in time.
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After the buzzer sounded, Sajak, always the smooth referee, told Rubush, "You know, this one's tough, because you said all the right words, including the word 'word' but, as you know, it's gotta be more or less continuous," Sajak said. "We'll allow for a little pause but not four or five seconds. I'm sorry. You did a good job in getting it, but we can't give you the prize, and it was the Audi."
Rubush took the judgement in good stride. Fans however did not, and took to Twitter to register their major disappointment.
“Wheel of Fortune really screwed up tonight!” exclaimed one tweet.
“Charlene solved that puzzle!!! She earned that Audi!” said another.
And another really got serious: “Wheel of Fortune, you just lost a viewer. ‘I am choosing the right word’ to never watch this show again. I'm done! I'm with that lady. She deserves that Audi! That rule is the most dumbest thing ever! She had it right before the time was up!”
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But hey, $16,500 and a vacation are nice “consolation” prizes. And Rubush seemed to agree as she left with a smile.
The outrage of fans got the attention of Audi and the carmaker has since offered to give Rubush a new car. "You're a winner in our eyes, Charlene. Now, let's get you a prize. Time to #GiveHerTheQ3," read a quote from the official Audi Twitter account. The company added they had "tracked down Charlene," so it looks like she'll be behind the wheel of a new whip soon!
Back in April, WOF fans were equally upset after another contestant lost out on a prize for adding and extra "and" to solve a puzzle. A fellow contestant then replied with the same answer without the "and" and won.
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