‘Wheel of Fortune’ announcer Jim Thornton suspended amid allegations

Jim Thornton has been suspended from “Wheel of Fortune” while Sony Pictures Television investigates allegations concerning the longtime announcer.

Sony said it had recently learned of the allegations and would recast Thornton’s position during what it called a thorough investigation. The suspension followed a report of an alleged incident aboard a commercial flight in May.

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We have recently been made aware of allegations concerning Jim Thornton. He has been suspended from Wheel of Fortune and we are recasting while we conduct a thorough investigation.

American Airlines confirmed that Flight 1276 was met by law enforcement after landing at Los Angeles International Airport on May 14, following concerns reported by a passenger. The airline did not identify Thornton by name.

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He did not engage in any illegal conduct, was not arrested, and has not been charged with any crime.

Thornton’s lawyer denied that his client had engaged in illegal conduct. “He did not engage in any illegal conduct, was not arrested, and has not been charged with any crime,” the lawyer told TMZ. The lawyer said officers questioned Thornton for five minutes or less, determined that no wrongdoing had occurred and allowed him to leave.

Thornton has served as the voice of “Wheel of Fortune” since 2010, after the death of original announcer Charlie O’Donnell. He began as a guest announcer and officially became the main announcer in the show’s 29th season in 2011. He has also announced “Celebrity Wheel of Fortune” since 2021.

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When questioned about the complaint made by a fellow passenger on the flight, law enforcement spoke to him for five minutes or less, immediately determined that no wrongdoing had occurred and told my client he was free to go.