'Why are you bothering?': Pat Sajak's scolding streak continues as 'Wheel of Fortune' host snaps at Debbie for incorrect answer

In another episode of 'Wheel of Fortune,' host Pat Sajak mocked a contestant for continuously delivering wrong answers
PUBLISHED MAY 27, 2023
Pat Sajak snapped at contestant Debbie on 'Wheel of Fortune' (ABC)
Pat Sajak snapped at contestant Debbie on 'Wheel of Fortune' (ABC)

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: The 76-year-old host of the popular gameshow ‘Wheel of Fortune', Pat Sajak has been in the headlines for his rude behavior with the contestants. Pat has gained a notorious reputation in the media for taking jabs at contestants of the show who answer incorrectly and then finding pathways to make up for his loud-mouthed comments. Pat’s antics were on display once again in Friday’s (May 26) episode of the gameshow as he snapped at a contestant for answering incorrectly. When he realized that he’s gone overboard with his comment, Pat tried to find affable ways to reconcile with the contestant. 

During the Triple Toss-Up segment of 'Wheel of Fortune', the contestants attempted to finish the phrase under the category, "What are you doing?” The first puzzle revealed two letters when contestants Debbie and her granddaughter Sarah buzzed in to complete the term. Debbie said, "Taking a nap," to which Pat instantly replied, "No...no," and allowed the puzzle to continue to fill out for the other players. Later, Gloria and her grandson Isaiah correctly answered: "Hailing a cab.” Pat teased Debbie by saying, “I like the 'Taking a nap' one better.” When Pat introduced the next puzzle, Debbie rang in early again and guessed, "Catching a fish,” which her granddaughter didn’t seem to agree with. Pat again replied with a resounding, “No” and added, "Something to do when you get up from your nap.” Gloria and Isaiah would finish the phrase correctly and Debbie was left red-faced. Her strategy of jumping in first and pressing the buzzer before anyone didn’t seem to be working. Pat who had minced his words until now, spoke out furiously when Debbie went in for the third puzzle. 

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'Why are you bothering?'

Debbie and her granddaughter Sarah were looking for victory desperately. Pat could sense that. When the final Tripe Toss-Up puzzle came up, Debbie jumped the gun and buzzed in to answer before everyone else again. She couldn't help but laugh herself as she incorrectly guessed: "Catching an Uber.” This was it. After hearing an incorrect answer from Debbie for the third straight time, Pat asked with a straight face, "Why are you bothering," before encouraging the other players to ring in with their answers. However, Pat realized his mistake and tried to make amends. 

Towards the end of the episode, Pat tried to salvage the situation and show everyone that whatever was said, was said in a fit of anger and he didn’t mean it. He reached out to Debbie, extending an olive branch, and said, “I don't care what happened I could listen to you solve Toss-Ups all night long.” Debbie smiled and Pat eventually managed to iron things out between him and the contestants. 

Pat has a ‘pattern’ of being rude

Recently, Pat stopped contestant Justin in his tracks as he attempted to solve a puzzle. Justin stuttered with his answer and Pat immediately scolded him with, "I'm going to stop you, Justin.” A similar case ensued with Fred Jackson who was hoping to add another victory to his name during the bonus round of the game. Fred failed to answer a puzzle correctly and Pat couldn’t help but mention, “I think he was thinking it might be something else,” insulting the contestant for his mistake. Later Pat revealed that Fred had lost $45,000 which seemingly prompted the angry contestant to throw up his arms. However, it was all a playful act as the TV personality lifted his hands in an attempt to block a punch.

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