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When Pat Sajak announced his retirement from Wheel of Fortune, game show fans were delighted that Vanna White and Ryan Seacrest would continue the hosting duties. However, a few weeks later, reports revealed White was skeptical about returning to the show due to the Wheel of Fortune payment disparity. Now, actress Claudia Jordan has opened up about the situation. According to the talk show host, Wheel of Fortune makes enough money to pay Seacrest and increase White’s salary.
Wheel of Fortune Has the Money for Vanna White and Ryan Seacrest
Reality TV personality Jordan has shared her thoughts about the Wheel of Fortune payment disparity. During a recent chat with TMZ, the 50-year-old noted that the game show was making enough money to pay both Ryan Seacrest and Vanna White fairly. Jordan said she isn’t on board with Seacrest collecting a lesser amount to pay White what she demands. The star explained that the pair weren’t like a pro sports team trying to stay under a salary cap. Jordan added that tons of advertising money is pouring in. Hence, Wheel of Fortune has enough in its coffers to make both hosts happy.
Jordan advised White to make a sweet deal as she has a great opportunity. According to the model, the show would likely pay Seacrest a good amount due to his portfolio. So, it was only fair for White to stick to her demands and make up for being underpaid for many years. Jordan concluded by stressing the importance of the show’s models. Given her experience in the game show hosting business, she noted that women like White were just as important as men like Seacrest and Sajak.
Well, the time has come. I’ve decided that our 41st season, which begins in September, will be my last. It’s been a wonderful ride, and I’ll have more to say in the coming months. Many thanks to you all. (If nothing else, it’ll keep the clickbait sites busy!)
— Pat Sajak (@PatOnWheel) June 12, 2023
Vanna White Asks for Salary Raise
Last Thursday, news broke that White was unsure about continuing her co-hosting gig due to the aforementioned Wheel of Fortune payment disparity. Reports revealed she had been earning $3 million annually for the past 18 years, as opposed to Sajak’s $15 million paycheck. Insiders close to White explained she was the show’s co-host and needed to be compensated in a way that reflected that. As a result, White’s lawyer Bryan Freedman demanded the star should receive half of Sajak’s salary.
The negotiations are still ongoing, and both parties have yet to arrive at a decision. However, there are speculations that Wheel of Fortune might consider White’s demands. This is due to Sajak’s exit from the show in 2024 and the need for a familiar face to continue hosting duties. Overall, fans hope to see both Vanna White and Ryan Seacrest on their screens after Sajak finally steps away.
