In a recent episode of the renowned game show “Wheel of Fortune,” contestant Tavaris Williams, hailing from Florida, left host Pat Sajak and the audience astounded with his unexpected and inappropriate guess. On May 23, 2024, Williams blurted out “Right in the butt!” while trying to solve a phrase puzzle, causing audible surprise from the crowd and a gentle dismissal from Sajak.
The puzzle that Williams was trying to solve had the letters _ _ _ _ I _ T _ E B _ _ T! displayed. The correct answer turned out to be “This is the best!” Williams’ bold guess quickly gained traction on the internet, attracting a mix of amusement and disbelief. Tyra, a fellow contestant, captured the studio’s shock with an incredulous “What?!”
Later, Williams explained that he got carried away by the excitement of the game, leading to his lapse in judgment. “I was just trying to beat my competitors by buzzing in first, and my brain couldn’t catch up to what I was saying,” he said.
Despite his unconventional answer, Williams remained upbeat. During an appearance on “Jimmy Kimmel Live!,” he shared that Sajak had reassured him they would manage the unexpected situation appropriately.
This incident quickly gained popularity online. One internet user humorously predicted that Williams’ family would never let him live down this moment. Another user, bewildered by his guess given the letters on the board, questioned his thought process.
Williams’ family reacted with laughter when they watched the episode, as he had kept the incident a secret until it aired. Williams revealed that his older son anticipated a challenging day at school following the broadcast.
In a humorous twist, Jimmy Kimmel presented Williams with another puzzle, “ALL HANDS ON D_CK,” which he correctly solved as “All hands on deck.” Williams also disclosed to Kimmel that he won $9,500 from the show, a fact overshadowed by his viral response.
Williams’ offbeat answer added to the collection of memorable moments that Pat Sajak has experienced during his 40-year tenure as the host of “Wheel of Fortune.” As Sajak wraps up his final season, instances like these underscore the unpredictability inherent in live television. Sajak noted during Williams’ interview that he had left an indelible mark on the show.
As the show transitions, Ryan Seacrest is slated to succeed Sajak as the host of “Wheel of Fortune.” Seacrest expressed his enthusiasm for his new role and his admiration for co-host Vanna White. “Standing beside Vanna, she’s truly a legend and an icon,” Seacrest told E! News. “We spent a little time shooting some promos for next season, and she’s just so down to earth. She’s exactly what you would expect.”
The show’s fans are eager to see how Seacrest will bring his unique style to the beloved game show while respecting the legacy established by Sajak and White. As “Wheel of Fortune” continues to be a linchpin of American television, viewers look forward to more laughter and unexpected turns.
Williams embraced his experience and is keen to share his story to spread cheer. He believes that his positive outlook and ability to laugh at himself helped him secure a spot on the show.
The clip of Williams’ unconventional guess has been widely shared and discussed on social media, with many declaring it one of the most memorable incorrect answers in “Wheel of Fortune” history.