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Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
Entertainment
Jamie Roberts

Wheel of Fortune's Pat Sajak slammed for 'talking teen into bankruptcy' in show special

Wheel of Fortune host Pat Sajak has been criticised for seemingly prompting a contestant into making a decision which cost them a big amount of money.

Fans took to social media during the episode of the hit gameshow on a Teen Week special. In the moment, 10th grader Deepshiv appeared unsure whether or not to pick a certain wedge, which turned out to reveal he was bankrupt.

Deepshiv had earlier revealed he was the first Fiji-descending Indian-American contestant to ever feature on the show.

Midway through a one of the puzzles, Deepshiv found himself having $6,000 after he found on 6 'T’s'.

As he gasped with excitement, Pat, 76, reminded him he had landed on a mystery $1K wedge, but made it clear he didn't have to pick it up.

Fans criticised Pat Sajak on Teen Week (NBC)

Pat then told the youngster: "Do you want my advice?" before adding: "No, I can’t give it to you."

As the crowd giggled, Pat continued: "If it were me I might…," before trailing off.

Deepshiv shocked all when he announced: "You know what I’ll take it!” leaving Pat excited by his decision.

As the audience gasped, Deepshiv picked up the mystery wedge to devastatingly reveal the bankrupt sign, leaving the teen looking crushed as he realised he'd lost his money.

Deepshiv was devastated after revealing the mystery wedge (NBC)

Pat said sorry to him before adding: "A gambling man." But fans weren't impressed with his part in the scenes.

Taking to Twitter, one user slammed: "He Influenced him to gamble it away!!!!" while another complained: "How about you shouldn't offer any decision-making opinions, especially with easily influenced kids??"

A third added: "Good job Pat Sajak for talking that kid into risking bankrupt."

And it wasn't just his interaction with Deepshiv that was called out by online fans. Another penned: "It's "Teen Week" on Wheel of Fortune and Pat Sajak looks like he'd rather be anywhere else right now."

Deepshiv impressed in the bonus round (NBC)

Deepshiv's despair was short-lived, with the teen going on to win a huge sum. In a bonus puzzle, he correctly solved the conundrum in a matter of seconds, much to the delight of the audience.

After winning a total of $63,000, his mum and sister took to the stage to celebrate with him as the audience's applause rung out.

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