What’s worse, asking someone if they watch opera in the buff? Or asking if they watch Oprah in the buff?
In the land of television, there was a beloved game show called Wheel of Fortune, hosted by the charming Pat Sajak, who was 75 years old, and the ever-graceful Vanna White, aged 65. They had entertained audiences for decades, but one fateful Wednesday evening, something peculiar happened that would make them the talk of the town.
On that particular episode, a talented opera singer named Ashley Fabian emerged victorious, winning a grand total of $67,410 in cash and prizes. As the credits began to roll, Pat, ever the conversationalist, decided to engage Vanna in a lighthearted discussion about opera, inspired by their guest’s triumph.
“Vanna, my dear,” he inquired, “are you fond of opera?”
Vanna responded gracefully, “Well, Pat, I’m not an aficionado, but I do enjoy it.”
Pat, seeking to add a touch of humor to their exchange, then asked, “Have you ever watched opera in the buff, just out of curiosity?”
The studio audience caught off guard, responded with a mixture of laughter and groans. Vanna, ever the consummate professional, maintained her composure and gently but firmly put an end to Pat’s line of questioning with a simple “no.”
Little did they know that the viewers at home had taken the conversation quite differently. The twittering birds of social media soon erupted in a cacophony of outrage and debate, with many accusing Pat of harassing Vanna during the show.
One concerned viewer tweeted, “Did I just witness a #metoo moment on Wheel of Fortune?”
Another chimed in, “My wife and I looked at each other, and we were like, what did we just hear?”
A chorus of others echoed similar sentiments, with some even calling for Pat’s removal from the show. “Wheel of Fortune, someone please replace this man,” wrote one impassioned fan. ” Pat Sajak is absolutely inappropriate in asking Vanna White if she’s watched opera naked? Are you serious? Gross.”
Yet another critic chimed in, “When did this game show turn into Wheel of Fortune After Dark?”
But amidst the uproar, there were those who came to Pat’s defense, arguing that his comment was more indicative of generational differences than true malice. “Boomers are the target audience for this program,” one woman pointed out. “They think the behavior is funny and completely acceptable. Wheel is out of touch with the younger audiences and their views.”
Another added, “Not very appropriate and cringe? Yes… Cancelable? No.”
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