In the world of television game shows, few faces are as iconic and enduring as Vanna White’s. For more than four decades, she has graced millions of living rooms each week, elegantly revealing letters and sharing lighthearted banter with host Pat Sajak on Wheel of Fortune. Yet, every so often, a bizarre rumor circulates claiming that America’s beloved letter-turner has been fired—most notably, a fabricated tale about her being let go for an alleged roulette gambling scandal.

Let’s separate fact from fiction once and for all.

📺 The Origin of the Rumor

The rumor in question traces back to an article published on Empire News, a website notorious for publishing satirical—and entirely fictitious—news stories for entertainment purposes only. On February 11, 2015, Empire News ran a sensational headline:

“Vanna White Fired From Wheel of Fortune After Roulette Scandal.”

The fictional piece spun an elaborate story claiming producers were “forced to fire” White after alleged footage surfaced showing her compulsively playing roulette at a casino. It went on to describe this so-called betrayal as if she had “cheated” on the show’s famous spinning wheel, painting her as untrustworthy to loyal fans.

It was written tongue-in-cheek, and Empire News clearly disclaims on their site that all content is purely satirical. However, as is often the case on the internet, the joke was lost when people reshared the story out of context, and some unsuspecting readers believed it was genuine reporting.

🔎 Why People Believed It

Part of what made this fake story so sticky is how well it played on words: the idea of the queen of the Wheel of Fortune betraying “her” wheel for the roulette wheel was an irresistible twist. Additionally, some clickbait ads capitalized on the rumor by using misleading headlines like, “Vanna White Scandal Ends Her Career—Fans in Shock!” These ads were designed to lure readers to low-quality sites riddled with advertisements.

As with many fake news stories, the scandalous nature of the claim made it spread rapidly on Facebook and gossip sites, catching even longtime fans off guard.

✅ The Truth: Vanna White Never Left the Show

The truth is refreshingly simple: Vanna White was never fired, never caught up in any real gambling controversy, and never missed a beat on the show due to any “scandal.” In fact, when the Empire News story surfaced in 2015, Wheel of Fortune quietly debunked it by continuing to air new episodes featuring White as usual.

Moreover, White herself never publicly acknowledged the rumor, likely because it was so clearly absurd. Her consistent on-screen presence spoke louder than any statement ever could.

🗂 A Trusted TV Icon

Since 1982, Vanna White has become an institution in American television culture. When she joined the show, she quickly won over viewers with her grace, charm, and trademark gowns. Decades later, she remains one of the highest-paid women on television, beloved by fans young and old.

During Pat Sajak’s brief medical leave in 2019, White even stepped in as the main host, proving that she is far more than just a letter-turner—she’s a skilled, charismatic presenter in her own right.

Her role has earned her a Guinness World Record for “most frequent clapper” (she’s estimated to have clapped over 3 million times on the show) and countless fan tributes. Her legacy is so cemented that it’s nearly impossible to imagine Wheel of Fortune without her.

📢 Social Media Clarifies the Facts

When the fake news story resurfaced through clickbait ads and misleading headlines, Wheel of Fortune’s official social media accounts continued to post behind-the-scenes clips and promotional material featuring White front and center. While they didn’t issue an official press release debunking the hoax, these updates served as clear proof that nothing had changed.

Fans quickly called out the false reports in comment sections, often tagging friends with remarks like:

“Fake news—she’s still on every night!”
“Don’t believe these shady ads!”

This is a testament to the trust viewers place in White and the strong connection she has built with her audience over the years.

💡 How to Spot a Fake Story

This incident is also a helpful reminder of how to navigate sensational claims online. Fake stories often use:

Outrageous headlines designed to provoke a strong reaction.

Anonymous or obviously fictional “quotes” (like the supposed statement from a director named Bob Cisneros, who does not exist in Wheel of Fortune’s credits).

Poor or no credible sources.

Clickbait tactics that lead to ad-heavy websites with no factual backing.

Whenever you come across shocking entertainment news, it’s wise to check reputable sources like Variety, The Hollywood Reporter, or official social media pages before sharing.

🎉 Vanna White: Still Going Strong

As of today, Vanna White remains an integral part of Wheel of Fortune, delighting audiences with her familiar smile and unwavering professionalism. In fact, as Pat Sajak prepares to retire in 2025 after more than four decades as host, many fans hope White will continue to play a key role alongside whoever takes over his spot.

While celebrity rumors come and go, Vanna White’s dedication and charm have stood the test of time—no roulette wheel scandal required.