Vanna White has got Sony spinning these days because she won’t continue on “Wheel of Fortune” unless she makes at least half of what Pat Sajak has been making.
via: New York Post
“After 41 years as a model employee and more the face of that show than [Pat], asking for 50% of what he makes seems like a no-brainer,” a source close to White told the outlet.
Sajak, 76, has hosted “Wheel” since 1981, while White joined the show a year later as the iconic letter-turner.
Amid Sajak’s retirement, Seacrest has been named the new host of “Wheel of Fortune,” The Post confirmed Tuesday.
But while Seacrest said he “can’t wait to continue the tradition of spinning the wheel and working alongside the great Vanna White,” it remains unclear if White will join Seacrest, salary depending.
Sources told TMZ that White is negotiating for the pay disparity between her and Sajak to be addressed considering they are essentially co-hosts of the beloved game show.
In fact, they are even introduced on the show as equals: “Here are the stars of our show, Pat Sajak and Vanna White.”
TMZ also confirmed that White’s salary is $3 million a year — and that she hasn’t gotten a single pay increase for the last 18 years.
Since 2005, White has received only bonuses, not raises, according to Puck News.
Meanwhile, Sajak reportedly makes about $15 million a year — five times the amount as his counterpart. White’s “aggressive” lawyer Bryan Freedman — who has represented a slew of A-listers during disputes with their employers — is allegedly demanding that she makes at least half of Sajak’s salary.
A source claimed that negotiations with Sony are “very difficult” and they aren’t budging just yet, though White feels this is “a statement for all women.”
White allegedly wants to stay on “Wheel,” but would consider walking if she doesn’t get “a minimum of what is fair.”
White’s contract is reportedly up at the end of the 2023-2024 season.
It’s unclear what Seacrest, 48, will be paid for the gig, though along with being the new host, he will also serve as a consulting producer on the show, according to a statement from Sony on Tuesday.
“I’m truly humbled to be stepping into the footsteps of the legendary Pat Sajak,” Seacrest said in a statement. “I can say, along with the rest of America, that it’s been a privilege and pure joy to watch Pat and Vanna on our television screens for an unprecedented 40 years, making us smile every night and feel right at home with them.
Many fans initially speculated that Seacrest was a top contender for the host gig, along with Vanna White, Pat’s daughter Maggie Sajak, Whoopi Goldberg and Stephen A. Smith — though many on social media were hoping White would ultimately get the job.
White has yet to comment on Seacrest’s latest job offer, but Sajak tweeted Wednesday that he is “looking forward to my final season starting this fall, and then handing over the car keys to Ryan Seacrest in September of 2024.”
Sajak announced two weeks ago that he would be retiring after 41 years and that the next season of the beloved game show will be his last.
“Well, the time has come. I’ve decided that our 41st season, which begins in September, will be my last,” he tweeted. “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!)”
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