During a recent episode of “Wheel of Fortune,” Florida native Tavaris Williams surprised viewers and the show’s veteran host Pat Sajak with his audacious response. On May 23, 2024, while trying to decipher a phrase puzzle, Williams took a daring guess, blurting out “Right in the butt!” This response elicited a gasp from the audience and a gentle denial from Sajak.
The phrase that Williams was attempting to solve displayed the letters _ _ _ _ I _ T _ E B _ _ T!. The actual solution was “This is the best!” Williams’ unanticipated answer quickly caught the attention of the internet, provoking both laughter and astonishment. Tyra, a fellow contestant, echoed the disbelief felt by many in the studio by simply exclaiming, “What?!”
Williams later justified his unusual guess by stating he was swept up in the excitement of the game and that his common sense temporarily abandoned him. He expressed, “I was just trying to beat my competitors by buzzing in first, and my brain couldn’t catch up to what I was saying.”
Williams remained upbeat about his error. During his appearance on “Jimmy Kimmel Live!,” he disclosed that Sajak reassured him, indicating they would manage the situation suitably, although without specifying how.
This incident sparked considerable attention on the internet. A fan humorously suggested that Williams’ family would always remember this moment. Another user, bemused by the available letters, wondered how Williams arrived at his answer.
At a viewing party for the episode, Williams’ family found the situation amusing. He had kept the incident a secret from them until it was televised. Williams mentioned his older son’s prediction of a challenging day at school following the episode’s airing.
In a lighter vein, Jimmy Kimmel tested Williams with another puzzle, “ALL HANDS ON D_CK,” which Williams correctly answered as “All hands on deck.” Despite the widespread attention his initial answer garnered, Williams disclosed to Kimmel that he won $9,500 from the show, a fact overshadowed by the viral clip.
Williams’ response adds to the many unforgettable moments Pat Sajak has experienced during his 40-year tenure as the host of “Wheel of Fortune.” Highlighting the unpredictability of live television, Sajak stated that Williams had left an indelible impression on them.
Ryan Seacrest is slated to succeed Sajak as the host of “Wheel of Fortune.” Expressing his enthusiasm for the role, Seacrest praised co-host Vanna White, regarding her as an icon and a legend. He told E! News that White is grounded and exactly as one would expect.
Viewers are eager to see how Seacrest will reinterpret the popular game show, respecting the legacy of Sajak and White. “Wheel of Fortune” continues to be a key feature of American television, with many unexpected and entertaining moments in store.
Williams has taken his experience in stride, finding joy in sharing it with others. He believes that his positive attitude and ability to laugh at himself were factors that contributed to his selection as a contestant on the show.
The clip of Williams’ unusual answer has been shared and discussed extensively on social media, with many deeming it one of the most memorable incorrect responses in “Wheel of Fortune” history.
