Hot Seat contestant won't let haters get her down

The Victorian woman who botched the first question on Millionaire Hot Seat and became a worldwide viral hit said she was still happy to have a laugh about her mistake despite the upsetting amount of abuse she received through social media.

Ballarat resident Whitney Beseler flubbed the opening $100 question on Hot Seat when she was asked which ring was "not a common piece jewellery commonly warn to symbolise a relationship" — engagement ring, an anniversary ring, a wedding ring or a burger ring.

Ms Beseler quickly locked in "Anniversary ring" without too much thought and has been kicking herself ever since.

"I had a massive brain fart – most people do – mine was just captured on camera," the Contiki tour manager told ninemsn about the mistake that was immediately etched on her face.

Ms Beseler's gaffe has spread around the world since the episode aired on Wednesday evening with responses being a mix of viciousness and encouragement.

"People from all around the world have contacted me," the former teacher said who has made sure to reply to all the notes of encouragement.

Her friends and family are supporting her, but with the footage still reverberating around the world the cruel critics are still growing in number.

"It's been really negative. That's what shocked me the most," Ms Beseler said, holding back tears.

While she anticipated some repercussions, she did not expect them to be at the level she has endured.

"The world of social media, it's just toxic."

With her video spreading through reddit to foreign mainstream media outlets in the past 48 hours, Ms Beseler said she has dug in and taken ownership of her error.

"It's been a whirlwind, so surreal," she said. "Lucky it happened someone like me.

"That's the scary thing about social media … some people are copping this every single day it's appalling."

Working through the criticism, Ms Beseler said she's been struck by inspiration and wants to turn this very recent experience into a way of educating and helping children understand and deal with bullying.

Ms Beseler also expressed her gratitude for Eddie McGuire who she said was such a good sport about her blunder.

"I have so much respect for him," she said about the host who high-fived her and admitted it was the most fun he'd had on the show in a long time.

McGuire even gave Ms Beseler a packet of Burger Rings at the end of the show, something she expects she will receive a lot more of in her life.

"If my future doesn't propose to me with a burger ring, he's obviously got no sense no humour," she said with a laugh.

Author: Nicholas McCallum, Approving editor: Emily McPherson