A surprising guess from Tavaris Williams on a recent episode of “Wheel of Fortune” left both the audience and host Pat Sajak stunned.
The incident occurred on May 23, 2024, during a segment of the long-standing game show where contestants have to solve phrase puzzles. Williams’ bold guess of “Right in the butt!” elicited an audible gasp from the audience and a subdued denial from Sajak.
The puzzle Williams was trying to solve presented the letters _ _ _ _ I _ T _ E B _ _ T!. The correct answer was “This is the best!” The unexpected response from Williams quickly gained traction online, sparking a wave of amusement and disbelief. The astonishment in the studio was perfectly encapsulated by fellow contestant Tyra, who exclaimed, “What?!”
The Florida native, Williams, later clarified that his excitement got the better of him and led to the unusual response. “I was just attempting to surpass my competitors by buzzing in first, and my brain couldn’t catch up to what I was saying,” he revealed.
Williams remained upbeat despite the unconventional guess. During a subsequent interview on “Jimmy Kimmel Live!,” he stated that Pat Sajak comforted him, assuring him they would find an appropriate way to address the situation, though Sajak wasn’t certain how this would be achieved.
The incident rapidly gained popularity on the internet. One online user humorously noted that Williams’ family would likely never forget this episode. Another user was puzzled how Williams arrived at his answer, given the letters available.
Williams and his family found humor in the incident during a viewing party for the episode. He had kept the moment secret from them until the episode’s broadcast. According to Williams, his older son predicted that the following school day might be challenging.
In a jovial follow-up, Jimmy Kimmel presented Williams with another puzzle, “ALL HANDS ON D_CK,” which Williams accurately solved as “All hands on deck.” Williams also disclosed to Kimmel that he had won $9,500 from the game show, a detail that was overlooked by many due to the viral incident.
Williams’ response was one of the many notable answers that Pat Sajak has seen in his 40-year tenure as the host of “Wheel of Fortune.” As Sajak approaches his final season on the show, these events underscore the unpredictable and spontaneous nature of live television. During Williams’ interview, Sajak noted that Williams had left a lasting impression on them.
Ryan Seacrest is slated to succeed Sajak as the host of “Wheel of Fortune.” Seacrest expressed his enthusiasm for his new role and admiration for Vanna White, the show’s co-host for many years. “She’s truly a legend and an icon,” Seacrest told E! News. “She’s just so down to earth.”
Viewers are eager to see how Seacrest will incorporate his own style into the popular game show while preserving the legacy of Sajak and White. “Wheel of Fortune” remains a fixture of American television, promising more laughter and unexpected moments.
Despite the unintended viral moment, Williams has maintained a positive outlook on the experience, believing his good humor and willingness to laugh at himself were why he was chosen for the show. The clip has been widely circulated and discussed on social media, being hailed as one of “Wheel of Fortune’s” most memorable wrong answers.
