…ision that would determine whether her strong showing ended in a bigger payout or fell short. The dispute centered on whether her answer landed before or after time expired, and it has stayed unresolved among viewers since.

Amanda Brown’s Winning Run

Brown, a dancer from San Diego, built an impressive run during a December episode of Wheel of Fortune. Strong solves carried her through the game, and a successful Express Train gamble added to her momentum.

By the time she reached the Bonus Round, Brown had already collected more than $22,000 in cash and prizes, including a vacation.

The Bonus Round Buzzer Controversy

In the Bonus Round’s “Food & Drink” category, Brown faced the puzzle “MAPLE TA_ _ _.” She ran through several guesses before landing on “Maple Taffy” just as the buzzer sounded, prompting host Ryan Seacrest to pause and consult the judges rather than immediately confirm a win.

After review, the judges ruled that Brown’s correct response had come after time expired, disqualifying the answer and costing her the additional $40,000 waiting inside her envelope.

Fans Push Back On The Ruling

The decision sparked immediate backlash online, with viewers questioning whether the timing call was accurate and others arguing it contradicted the show’s own published rules for the Bonus Round. Despite the outcry, the ruling stood and the outcome did not change.

Brown still left the show with substantial winnings from her overall run, but the disputed final moment left fans divided over whether an answer arriving almost simultaneously with the buzzer should have been enough to secure the bigger prize.