Wheel of Fortune announcer Jim Thornton suspended pending investigation
Jim Thornton was placed on suspension after alleged pedophilia-related chatroom screenshots were reported by a passenger on a flight, though his attorney says no illegal activity occurred.
The announcer for the long-running game show Wheel of Fortune, Jim Thornton, has been suspended while an investigation proceeds into allegations stemming from screenshots allegedly taken on his laptop during a May flight from Charlotte to Los Angeles. A passenger reported seeing images and text that appeared to involve a pedophilia-related chatroom and shared the photos with a flight attendant, who then alerted authorities. Law enforcement questioned Thornton after the aircraft landed at Los Angeles International Airport and released him without arrest.
Thornton’s attorney, Allison Hart, told reporters that the announcer has been active in suicide-prevention advocacy and that the chatroom in question, lifeline.chat, is a forum for individuals with pedophilic thoughts seeking help, not a site hosting illegal content. She emphasized that the site is lawful, that Thornton did not view or download any child pornography, and that law enforcement found no criminal conduct.
Sony Pictures Television confirmed that Thornton has been suspended pending a thorough review of the unspecified allegations. The company said it is recasting the announcer role while the investigation continues. Thornton has served as the show’s announcer since 2011.