Fans of the long-running game show Wheel of Fortune are expressing outrage after contestant Megan (a high school choir director) was denied a $40,000 bonus prize despite what many believe was a correct answer. In the show’s bonus round under the “Living Thing” category, the puzzle board displayed “P_N_ RC _ D.” While mumbling under pressure, Megan’s first audible phrase sounded to many viewers like “Pink Orchid.” However, the show deemed it incorrect, and the final answer revealed by the host was “Pink Orchid.”

On social media, viewers lashed out at the show and its producers, arguing firmly that Megan had clearly said “Pink Orchid” before the time ran out. One user wrote: “The woman got screwed on the #WheelOfFortune bonus puzzle tonight; she totally said ‘PINK ORCHID’ right at the start.”  Others, however, challenged that interpretation—pointing out that when they scrutinized the footage, the first phrase sounded like “Something Orchid,” a much less definitive response.

In an interview after the show, Megan clarified the situation: she admitted that what she actually said was “something orchid,” not “pink orchid,” acknowledging that the word “pink” has haunted her since. The controversy has triggered a broader discussion around the rules for what counts as a valid answer in the show’s bonus round—how precise a contestant must be when giving an answer while under time pressure.

Ultimately, this incident highlights the tension between viewers’ perception and game-show adjudication. Whether or not Megan actually said the correct phrase, fans believe the ruling was unfair and have called for the show to revisit its decision. For now, the moment remains a flash-point among dedicated viewers—raising questions about clarity, fairness, and the pressure contestants face under the spotlight.