Sony Pictures Television fires ‘Wheel of Fortune’ announcer Jim Thornton

Sony Pictures Television has terminated Jim Thornton from his role as the announcer for ‘Wheel of Fortune’, effective immediately. The decision follows an investigation into allegations regarding an incident on a commercial flight in May.

Reports indicate that a passenger on an American Airlines flight complained to a flight attendant after observing Thornton accessing what appeared to be an inappropriate chatroom. The passenger alleged seeing messages and images related to pedophilia. American Airlines confirmed that law enforcement met Flight 1276 at Los Angeles International Airport on May 14 following passenger concerns, though the airline did not name Thornton.

Thornton’s attorney has denied the allegations, stating that he “did not engage in any illegal conduct, was not arrested and has not been charged with any crime.”

Regarding the show’s host, Ryan Seacrest, industry insiders suggest he intends to maintain professional distance from the controversy, focusing on his duties with the program while Sony handles the personnel transition.