Fans defend Vanna White ahead of the new season of Wheel of Fortune.
It’s the final countdown.
On Tuesday, Wheel of Fortune released new promotional material on its official Instagram page for the upcoming season, which premieres on September 11 – the last from host Pat Sajak.
But oddly, fans in the comments section came out in defense of Vanna White amid her alleged contract negotiations with the channel and rumored status on the show.
The Instagram post featured a smiling photo of Sajak, 76, and White, 66, along with the caption “41 never looked so good” – but some viewers didn’t seem too pleased.
“Will Vanna get a raise this season?” asked one Instagram user.
Another echoed her sentiment, writing: “Probably last season as Ryan Seacrest will make it and you don’t give Vanna a raise 😢.”
“Well done you two!!! She needs a raise!!! What are you waiting for??? Do it!!! 💓💓💓 🙌🙌🙌,” someone else typed.
One commenter even speculated, “Season 41 already, 10 years ago it was Las Vegas, time flies and Pats couldn’t come sooner than it is.” Vanna? I’m not sure about her contract as the producers plan to make changes pending Pat’s departure at the end of the season.”
The post has reached out to Wheel of Fortune for comment.
After Sajak announced his retirement in June, it was announced that 48-year-old Ryan Seacrest would take his place as host from 2024.
Shortly after the announcement Puck News reported that White hired attorney Bryan Freedman to negotiate a deal for her because she allegedly hadn’t received a raise in 18 years.
The outlet claimed that the star has been making $3 million a year since 2005, while a 2016 report was available forbes claimed that Sajak rakes in a whopping $15 million a year for the hosting gig.
Her current contract runs until 2024, according to the deadlinebut she’s already negotiated a new contract and salary for the celebrity version of the show.
In July an unknown Source allegedly told People that White was merely asking for equal pay with Sajak in her ongoing negotiations, after some reports that she was only holding out for half what he earned.
“50% of Pat’s salary is so outrageous that no one in their right mind could say it’s fair,” the insider claimed to the outlet at the time.
“Far more than 50% of his salary is being demanded in the negotiations. They’re asking for the same salary – if not more,” they continued.
The source added that White is ready to “fight for her future.”
“Vanna was told, ‘If you fight this, you’ll lose your job. You’re lucky to have the job.’ And when you’re told that for so long, you believe it,’” they claimed of their past experiences.
