Ryan Seacrest was slammed by Wheel of Fortune fans for a contestant losing all of their earnings.

The host of the syndicated game show was criticized for how Wednesday, February 12’s episode played out.

Viewers were quick to point fingers at the 50-year-old television host for the downfall of a specific contestant. This contestant happened to be Stephen Bailey, a nonprofit worker and frontman of a cover band hailing from North Richland Hills, Texas.

The recent episode showcased Bailey competing against Brianne Peterson, a passionate deal enthusiast and surrogate from Las Vegas, Nevada, as well as Cathy Adams, a cruise aficionado from Tacoma, Washington.

Bailey had been leading the pack with $2,800 and even secured a wild card by the conclusion of the initial round. However, his position at the top was short-lived, all thanks to a rushed choice that many attributed to Seacrest.

This comes after Seacrest received mixed reviews after taking on the role of presenter on the popular game show, later being called ‘annoying’ and ‘lazy’ by some fans. 

Ryan Seacrest was slammed by Wheel of Fortune fans for a contestant losing all of their earnings. The host of the syndicated game show was criticized for how Wednesday, February 12’s episode played out

When he spun the wheel and landed on a $1,000 piece, which had the option to turn it over for a surprise, Seacrest encouraged him: ‘Oh. Let’s go, right?’ 

But when Bailey flipped it over, it was revealed to be a ‘bankrupt’ panel, causing him to lose all of his earnings he had made so far. 

Some viewers criticized Seacrest for not warning the contestant about the possibility he could get a bankruptcy prize. 

After the contestant realized he lost his winnings, Seacrest said to him: ‘I’m here for you.’ 

Then, the turn went to Peterson, who also landed on a ‘bankrupt’ panel but she hadn’t won anything to lose yet. 

When Bailey’s turn came back around, he landed on ‘bankrupt’ again but did not have any money to lose. 

Viewers of the game show said that Seacrest should have warned Bailey that he risked going bankrupt if he flipped the panel over. 

Longtime fans said that the former and beloved host Pat Sajak, 78, would have warned the contestant of the risk before they decided to flip the card.

Bailey was leading with $2,800 and a wild card at the end of the first round, but his first place spot quickly changed due to a hasty decision some viewers blamed on Seacrest

Some viewers criticized Seacrest for not warning the contestant about the possibility he could get a bankruptcy prize

This comes after Seacrest received mixed reviews after taking on the role of presenter on the popular game show, later being called ‘annoying’ and ‘lazy’ by some fans; pictured December 2024 in Los Angeles

Some viewers criticized Seacrest for not warning the contestant about the possibility he could get a bankruptcy prize

Longtime fans said that the former and beloved host Pat Sajak, 78, would have warned the contestant of the risk before they decided to flip the card

Some viewers discussed the taping on Reddit. ‘I don’t think I’ve seen a round quite like that one,’ one user wrote. ‘I was watching it with some family and there were several gasps with the “G” called and the decision to flip the mystery wedge.’ 

In response to the original poster’s musings, other fans also shared their thoughts. 

‘The guy was a total idiot to pick up the mystery wedge. He had over $4,000, a trip and a wild card and he risked that for a 50/50 (alleged) chance at $10,000. So stupid!!!’ 

Another fan added: ‘I wish Ryan would remind people that they’re not just risking the cash when they flip it. At least Pat would mention the Wild Card, any cardboard, etc.’ 

‘Meanwhile, other users defended Seacrest and said he is new to the hosting gig since he only started last year after Pat Sajak retired from the role. 

On X, formerly Twitter, one viewer said that ‘Pat would have immediately reminded him of what he would lose… Ryan didn’t. Never does. Contestants are nervous and don’t recall. It wasn’t $10,000. He lost everything.’

Another fan added: ‘Why didn’t Ryan advice [sic] Steven that he had the cruise, wild card, & over $4000 cards before he took a chance on the bankruptcy/$10,000 choice?’