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‘Wheel of Fortune’ Producers ‘Regret’ Apparent Slave Imagery In Episode, Vow to Replace Going Forward

Posted byBy Kiersten Willis | Published on: CommentsComments (0)

The controversial imagery can be clearly seen behind longtime “Wheel of Fortune” hosts Vanna White (left) and Pat Sajak. (Sony screenshot)

After controversy erupted over the background video of what appeared to be slaves on a recently re-aired episode of “Wheel of Fortune,” producers have vowed to change it on re-runs.

“We regret the use of this background image, and we will be replacing it moving forward on any re-broadcast,” executive producer Harry Friedman said Monday a statement released to various news outlets.

The imagery at issue depicts Black people who seem to be dressed as slaves standing outside a plantation house, which rolled behind longtime “Wheel” hosts Pat Sajak and Vanna White during a “Southern Charm” week episode. The show originally aired in March, according to New York Daily News, but went viral when it re-ran Thursday, June 15.

A representative for the 42-year-old game show told NYDN the footage was shot on location at Oak Alley Plantation in Vacherie, La., in 2005. But Hillary Loeber, a spokesperson for the plantation, denied the venue hires actors to play slaves. She said it employs tour guides of all races who wear period clothing such as the Annabelle-style hoop skirts shown in the “Wheel” footage.

In light of the explanation, one person didn’t feel there was anything wrong to begin with.

Many viewers initially were outraged by the slave depiction.

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