Vanna White, cohost of the long-running show “Wheel of Fortune,” is reportedly requesting a salary that reflects a fair pay scale in comparison to her fellow cohost, Pat Sajak, Your Content has learned.
According to sources familiar with the negotiations, Vanna is insisting on making at least half of what Pat earns to address the existing pay disparity.
Despite being introduced as equals on the show, Vanna has been earning a consistent salary of $3 million per year for the past 18 years, without any pay increases.
In contrast, Pat’s reported salary is around $15 million annually.
Vanna’s lawyer, Bryan Freedman, is said to be advocating for her to receive half of Pat’s salary.
The negotiations between Vanna and Sony, the show’s production company, have been described as “very difficult” by a source with direct knowledge.
While Vanna desires to continue her role on the show, she considers fair compensation to be a minimum requirement.
The issue is seen as not only significant for Vanna personally but also as a statement for gender equality.
Sony may face a challenging situation as Ryan Seacrest is set to take over as host from Pat in a year’s time. Losing both Pat and Vanna simultaneously would pose a continuity concern, according to TMZ.