'Wheel of Fortune' under fire for use of photos that appear to depict slaves for 'Southern Charm' week
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“Wheel of Fortune” is under fire for using a photographic backdrop showing two African-Americans in slave-era clothing.
The photo, which was used for “Southern Charm” week, sparked outrage from viewers.
"Someone please tell me why @WheelofFortune has slaves in their 'Southern Charm Week' images?" wrote a user named Joshua Itiola.
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The popular game show’s executive producer expressed contrition and vowed that the image will no longer air on re-runs of the episode.
“We regret the use of this background image, and we will be replacing it moving forward on any re-broadcast,” Harry Friedman said in a statement to the New York Daily News.
The image was taken by producers in 2005 during an on-location shoot at the Oak Alley Plantation in Vacherie, La. A spokesperson for the Oak Alley Plantation said that they do not hire people to portray slaves, but do employ tour guides of all skin colors that wear period clothing.
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“Southern Charm” week originally ran in March, but reruns are common.