Wheel of Fortune announcer Jim Thornton has been suspended from the ABC game show following undisclosed allegations, producer Sony Pictures Television announced.
Thornton's attorney responded to the suspension on September 1, stating that the veteran announcer did not engage in any illegal conduct, was not arrested, and has not been charged with any crime.
The attorney gave details regarding an alleged incident involving Thornton and a fellow passenger aboard an American Airlines flight in May.
According to the lawyer, law enforcement officers questioned Thornton briefly following a complaint made by a fellow passenger.
"When questioned about the complaint made by a fellow passenger on the flight," the attorney told TMZ, "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."
American Airlines confirmed that police were called to meet the aircraft after it landed in California.
"On May 14, American Airlines Flight 1276 was met by law enforcement upon arrival at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) following concerns reported by a customer onboard," the airline said in a September 1 statement.
Studio Investigation and Announcer Role
Sony Pictures Television, the studio behind the popular game show, has declined to outline the specific nature of the allegations against Thornton.
However, the production company confirmed to E! News on September 1 that Thornton "has been suspended from Wheel of Fortune and we are recasting while we conduct a thorough investigation."
E! News noted that it was unable to locate contact information for Thornton to request further comment.
Wheel of Fortune is a long-running American television game show broadcast on the ABC network, where contestants solve word puzzles to win cash and prizes.
Thornton has served as the voice of Wheel of Fortune since joining the show in 2011.
He took over the announcer booth following the 2010 death of longtime announcer Charlie O'Donnell.
O'Donnell had held the announcing post for 21 years following an initial stint with the show from 1979 to 1980.
Radio Background and Career Path
Before taking on his duties at Wheel of Fortune, Thornton spent much of his professional career working in radio broadcasting.
He has previously spoken about how his early passion for radio helped prepare him for his ultimate goal of working in television.
In a 2024 interview with YouTuber Riyaz Datoo, Thornton reflected on his childhood fascination with broadcasting.
"When I started I was 8 years old [and] I had a little [mock] radio station in my basement," Thornton said in the interview, "but I wanted to be on TV. I moved to Los Angeles when I was 19 and I kept working and working and working."
Thornton also shared his personal career philosophy during the interview, offering advice for professional longevity.
"Show up to work on time and be enthusiastic - that's my two rules and you'll get ahead," Thornton said.
Sony Pictures Television has not announced a timetable for completing its investigation or named who will temporarily fill the announcer booth.
