Wheel of Fortune announcer Jim Thornton suspended pending investigation

Sony Television confirmed on Tuesday that Jim Thornton, who has served as the announcer for "Wheel of Fortune" since 2010, has been suspended from the program. The company said a spokesperson was "made aware of allegations concerning Jim Thornton" and that the show is recasting the role while a thorough investigation proceeds.

The allegations relate to an incident on an American Airlines flight in May, which was first reported by a celebrity news outlet. According to that report, other passengers complained about Thornton's behavior and law-enforcement officials intervened.

Thornton's attorney stated that his client "did not engage in any illegal conduct," was not arrested and faced no criminal charges. He said Thornton spoke with law-enforcement officials for a brief period and was then released.

Thornton succeeded Charlie O'Donnell as the show's announcer after O'Donnell's death in 2010 and has also announced "Celebrity Wheel of Fortune" since 2021. Prior to his television work, he spent decades in radio, including roles at KNX Radio in Los Angeles and Westwood One Radio Networks.