Pat Sajak Breaks His Silence After 'Wheel of Fortune' Contestants Face Internet Backlash

Pat Sajak is sharing a friendly reminder with Wheel of Fortune fans to be kind.

Currently in its 39th season, the game show is often trending on Twitter when Wheel of Fortune viewers discuss the latest memorable moments, like those consecutive $100,000 bonus winners. But sometimes instead of congratulating Wheel of Fortune contestants on their winnings, folks can get caught up in the commotion of a tricky puzzle and forget that it’s just a fun game.

This recently happened after the show aired its March 1st episode in which Thomas, Laura and Christopher had trouble solving the phrase, “Another Feather In Your Cap.” In the end, it took them eight turns and 10 attempts to figure out the five-word puzzle. Though the answer might have seemed obvious afterward, Pat encouraged the three contestants to shake it off and keep on playing. But not everyone was as understanding as he was.

Following the Monday night airing, #WheelofFortune Twitter went off about how the contestants should have known the phrase. In a rare move, Pat took a second to address the online critics.

“It always pains me when nice people come on our show to play a game and win some money and maybe fulfill a lifelong dream, and are then subject to online ridicule when they make a mistake or something goes awry,” he wrote in a Twitter thread. “Last night's 'Feather in your cap' puzzle was a case in point. Sitting at home, it seems incredible that they couldn't solve it, but I knew in real time what was happening.”

The game show host then tried to put viewers in the contestants’ shoes and shared that the phrase wasn’t as popular as some thought. Pat revealed he didn’t care to be praised for “keeping it together” and instead brought the focus back on being compassionate.

He continued: “But mocking them online and calling them names? These are good people in a bad situation under a kind of stress that you can’t begin to appreciate from the comfort of your couch. Good-natured laughter is one thing. Heck, they laughed at themselves. But, hey, cut them some slack. Unless you’re there, you have no idea how different it is in the studio.”

“It was an oddly entertaining puzzle and it’s okay to laugh at the situation. But have a little heart. After all, you may be there one day. And no one wants to be trending on Twitter,” Pat concluded.

While Pat’s tweets usually go under the radar, his words resonated with a lot of Wheel of Fortune fans. Many shared their appreciation for him speaking up in defense of the contestants.

“Thank you for saying all this. Because it badly needs to be said. People can't seem to remember there are human beings on their screens with their own interior lives,” one person wrote. “It's sad that this even needs to be explained. I chuckled because I was really confused when hat’ was the wrong answer but given I'd never been on the show, I can only imagine being thrown a curveball and thousands of eyes and bright lights shining down on you to ‘get it right,’” another added.

What’s more, some folks reflected on their actions. “Pat, you are the classiest of class acts. The players and we, the public, are blessed to have you occupying the seat you have for so many generations. I admit that I feel into the trap of scoffing at that clip, so I want to thank you for this gentle reminder to give grace first,” a different follower said.

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