Wheel of Fortune has seen its fair share of controversial rulings over the years, and a recent episode has once again sparked debate among its loyal viewers. 

On the February 11 episode, a contestant’s answer was ruled incorrect due to a slight mispronunciation, leading many fans to believe she was unfairly penalized.

The Controversial Moment

The moment in question occurred during the Mystery Round, where contestant Denise Zinzi of Oakton, Virginia, 

was competing against Yumemi Turk from Torrance, California, and Chris Wiley from Meridianville, Alabama.

The puzzle was a “Before and After” challenge, and by the time Zinzi took her turn, most of the letters were already revealed. The board displayed:

L O V E / L E T T E R / O _ / R E S I G N _ T I O N

Believing she had the correct answer, Zinzi confidently guessed, “Love Letter of Resination.” However, she did not clearly enunciate the “G” in “Resignation.” After a brief pause, host Ryan Seacrest informed her that her answer was incorrect.

Turk then took his turn and correctly pronounced, “Love Letter of Resignation,” which was accepted by the judges, allowing him to claim the winnings for that round.

Fans React to the Decision

The ruling did not sit well with many Wheel of Fortune viewers, who quickly took to social media—particularly Reddit—to voice their frustration. Some fans felt that Zinzi had clearly intended to say the correct word and that the slight mispronunciation should not have disqualified her answer.

One fan wrote, “I think they ripped Denise off with the ‘Letter of Resignation’ puzzle tonight. Bless her heart.”

Another viewer pointed out that Zinzi had already revealed the “G” on the board and was likely just speaking quickly. “She was ripped off, she had already put the G on the board, she was obviously saying ‘resignation.’”

Some fans also speculated that her pronunciation might have been influenced by a regional accent, making it unfair to penalize her. One viewer commented, “Wondering if she has an accent. Strange you couldn’t hear the ‘G.’ ‘Resination’ with the G on the board. Feel bad for her.”

Not Everyone Agreed

While many viewers sympathized with Zinzi, others defended the show’s decision. They argued that pronunciation is a critical part of the game, and since she said “Resination” instead of “Resignation,” her answer was technically incorrect.

One fan bluntly stated, “She was absolutely not ripped off. She didn’t know the word. She made one up.”

Another viewer simply added, “Resination is not the same as resignation.”

The debate echoes past Wheel of Fortune controversies, where slight mispronunciations or missing syllables have cost contestants significant winnings. The show’s strict pronunciation rules have long been a source of both frustration and debate among its audience.

Ryan Seacrest Faces Hosting Scrutiny

As the new host of Wheel of Fortune, Ryan Seacrest has been under intense scrutiny since taking over for Pat Sajak in 2024. His handling of the situation, along with the judges’ ruling, has drawn mixed reactions from viewers. Some fans believe he could have exercised more leniency in allowing Zinzi’s answer, while others argue that he was simply following the show’s established rules.

Despite the controversy, Seacrest has received praise for his smooth transition into the hosting role, bringing his signature charm and professionalism to the beloved game show. However, as this incident demonstrates, hosting Wheel of Fortune comes with its fair share of difficult moments.

Final Thoughts

The debate over Denise Zinzi’s disqualified answer highlights the ongoing conversation about Wheel of Fortune’s pronunciation rules. While some fans feel she was unfairly penalized, others stand by the judges’ decision.

Regardless of where fans stand, this incident adds to the long history of Wheel of Fortune moments that have sparked passionate discussions. As the show continues under Ryan Seacrest’s leadership, viewers will undoubtedly be watching closely for future rulings that could once again ignite controversy.

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