Longtime "Wheel of Fortune" host Pat Sajak is facing backlash after he seemingly mocked a contestant's speech impediment. Viewers were dismayed when Sajak mimicked Chris Brimble's lisp on Monday's episode of the game show.
During the introductory interviews, Brimble explained to the host what he does for a living but rather than say "I see" Sajak replied, "I thee," according to Yahoo! Entertainment. Brimble was able to laugh the moment off but fans were outraged.
"@patsajak Hey d----bag, say a cheap shot making fun of a contestant with a lisp. I teach speech therapy. You have been on the air for far too long. It's time for you to retire. Your sarcasm is offensive and only funny to idiots such as yourself," one viewer tweeted.
"Thanks for making fun of people with a lisp on tonight’s show you arrogant overpaid jerk - Pat Sajak. Quit now. Maybe if you grew up with a speech impediment you’d understand," another wrote.
"Hopefully you learned by your mistake and stop making fun of those with a lisp. As a woman who has lived all her life with one (and my parents put me in speech classes when I was first going to school as a youngster), I find it appalling that you do that kind of crap," a third viewer chimed in.
"Sadly, unless U have a child w/special needs, or have a grandchild/good friend who has a child w/special needs, teach children w/special needs, a person will not understand how their actions affect others. @patsajak, UR comment was in bad taste.U thought it was funny-it was not," a fourth added.
Despite the jab, it was an overall good night for Brimble who earned $12,250 in prize money. He just fell short from progressing to the bonus puzzle.
Zoe Papadakis ✉
Zoe Papadakis is a Newsmax writer based in South Africa with two decades of experience specializing in media and entertainment. She has been in the news industry as a reporter, writer and editor for newspapers, magazine and websites.
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