Vanna White hires lawyers amid salary dispute – Could she be ousted from ‘Wheel of Fortune’?

Victoria JonesJuly 1, 2023

Is Vanna White Leaving “Wheel of Fortune” Amid Pay Dispute?

There is a buzz surrounding the possibility of Vanna White leaving “Wheel of Fortune” due to a pay dispute as longtime host Pat Sajak prepares to retire. According to a report by TMZ, White, the beloved cohost of the iconic game show, is requesting a pay raise that Sony Pictures Television is currently hesitant to offer.

Sources close to the show revealed to TMZ that White has not received a pay raise in 18 years, despite receiving bonuses, as reported by Entertainment Tonight. While White currently earns $3 million per year, she is seeking half of Sajak’s salary, which is estimated to be $15 million annually.

White, who has been cohosting the show alongside Sajak since 1982, believes it would be fair for her to earn half of his current salary, amounting to $7.5 million a year. TMZ reported that White considers 50 percent of Sajak’s salary as the minimum of what is fair, especially since they are introduced as equals before each episode of the show.

The negotiations between White and the studio have been described as “very difficult.” To represent her in this matter, White has enlisted the help of superstar entertainment attorney Bryan Freedman, who is known for his work with high-profile clients such as Tucker Carlson, Don Lemon, Chris Cuomo, and Megyn Kelly.

If her requests are not met, White is reportedly prepared to leave the show. TMZ referred to her potential exit as a “real possibility” if she does not feel she is being treated fairly.

It remains to be seen how this pay dispute will be resolved, especially as Sajak announced his upcoming retirement in early June. The transition to a new host, Ryan Seacrest, is set to take place next fall, and Sony is reportedly keen on retaining White during this period of change.

Vanna White ‘holding out’ for 50% of Pat Sajak’s ‘Wheel of Fortune’ salary https://t.co/lo5XxaISrX pic.twitter.com/M7F1FtEPpp

— New York Post (@nypost) June 29, 2023

For now, fans of “Wheel of Fortune” eagerly await updates on the outcome of this salary fight and whether it will ultimately force Vanna White out of the show.

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