COMICSANDS
percolately
georgetakei
secondnexus
george's picks
Wheel of Fortune host Pat Sajak is known for his sardonic sense of humor and engaging in witty exchanges with contestants on the popular game show.
But some thought his mocking of a contestant with a speech impediment on Monday's show crossed a line.
Watch the video below and see if you can spot the moment Sajak incurred backlash for his indiscretion.
Did @patsajak just mock one of the contestants?? @WheelofFortune @TMZ https://t.co/brJIMEB4yh— phil (@phil) 1614050487.0
During the segment of introductions, contestant Chris Brimble – whom many online viewers thought spoke with a lisp – told the three-time Emmy winner he was recently married and worked for a company that sold "technology that benefits older adults."
When Sajak asked if it was a "myth" that older people were averse to new technology, Brimble confirmed that was not the case and that the elderly were surprisingly more open to technology than one might think.
Instead of responding with, "I see," Sajak replied, "I thee."
Though the mockery did elicit a few audible chuckles off-camera from the other contestants and some production staff members, not everyone on social media found it funny.
#PatSajakSucks How snide are you if you make fun of someone with a lisp. I mean really?— Cee Cee (@Cee Cee) 1614085000.0
@nicolegphil @patsajak @WheelofFortune @TMZ Yes, a short insecure man who steps on stools to change his height near… https://t.co/sfyUas5toH— Really4Equality (@Really4Equality) 1614079799.0
Backstage when Pat says "I thee" to the man with a lisp. https://t.co/nIJnO9DstJ— Mickey Rosé (@Mickey Rosé) 1614038856.0
@YahooEnt I have a lisp and find nothing offensive in what Pat Sajak said. What has become of our country when eve… https://t.co/qzjkKnB963— Linda Wilson (@Linda Wilson) 1614099836.0
Some called for Sajak's dismissal from his hosting duties.
Pat Sajak made fun of a contestant with a speech impediment. He should be removed as host of Wheel of Fortune...— David Rogers (@David Rogers) 1614099460.0
Thanks for making fun of people with a lisp on tonight’s show you arrogant overpaid jerk - Pat Sajak. Quit now. May… https://t.co/Noz8OIgHTO— mcsqueebage (@mcsqueebage) 1613868715.0
@decider #WheelOfFortune Unbelievable! Pat Sajak needs to go. Who does he think he is? The Donald Trump of game sho… https://t.co/eHo9oYC3YY— Teresa (@Teresa) 1614117916.0
hey @WheelofFortune, is @patsajak ok? he’s been in the news a lot lately considering the length of his career... ma… https://t.co/RXIFDHL117— km whitworth (@km whitworth) 1614098005.0
According to Yahoo Entertainment, Brimble "appeared to have a good time," and went home with his $12,250 winnings after falling short of advancing to the bonus puzzle.
Sajak has yet to comment on the controversy.