14 DAY TRIAL // Live television can be nerve-racking, but model Manuela Arbelaez has been on “The Price Is Right” for 6 years, so she should have a bit more experience in handling stage nerves. Or so you’d think.
Embedded below is the video that almost cost her her job, because of a major and very expensive flub on her part. It’s now viral, getting almost 7 million views in the last hours.
Once you watch it, you will understand why: Manuela accidentally gave away an expensive Hyundai Sonata SE, by not waiting for the contestant to give her the correct answer and unveiling it herself.
The contestant had 3 guesses in total before she lost all chances to win the car, and she got the first one wrong. Without waiting, Manuela uncovered the second tag, which was the correct one, prompting the contestant to ask, “So… I won?”
Host Drew Carey had no other option but to tell her that, indeed, she could consider herself the lucky winner, even though her effort had been minimal and completely off script. Meanwhile, Manuela was hiding behind the board, crying in disbelief.
She confirmed on her social media that, despite her expensive mistake, she wasn’t been fired. Moreover, she’s seeing the fun side in the incident, jokingly comparing herself to Oprah Winfrey, who used to give out cars as gifts to audience members all the time.
Manuela tells TMZ that she believes that she wasn’t fired because the video went viral, thus bringing more exposure to the show than the car cost.
For those of you asking: the producers and @DrewFromTV couldn't have been more supportive and understanding. I'm not in trouble :) phew!
— Manuela Arbelaez (@ManuelaArbelaez) April 2, 2015
I don't usually give expensive gifts, but when I do is a $21,960 CAR. #YoureWelcomeAndrea #WokeUpFeelingGenerous pic.twitter.com/cL84sZAGxG
— Manuela Arbelaez (@ManuelaArbelaez) April 2, 2015
Hey @Oprah now I know what it feels like to be you! Whenever you feel like giving cars away on the show let me know. @PriceIsRight
— Manuela Arbelaez (@ManuelaArbelaez) April 2, 2015