LifeLine Chat explains purpose of support forum after Jim Thornton incident

LifeLine Chat, the organization that runs an online support forum for individuals who are attracted to children and adolescents, released a statement after former "Wheel of Fortune" announcer Jim Thornton was photographed using the service on a flight. The company said the forum exists to provide a safe space for people who experience distress over their attractions, emphasizing that most users can act responsibly when given appropriate support.

"LifeLine operates a support chat room for people attracted to children and adolescents," the statement read, adding that the platform has "strict rules against any kind of illicit behavior, including the sharing of criminalized images" and that violations result in immediate bans and message removal.

The organization argued that many minor-attracted individuals are "extremely distressed by the stigmatization of their feelings" and need a venue to discuss their issues without risking legal repercussions. It claimed that allowing non-illegal, potentially offensive messages helps prevent users from making harmful decisions and that professional help is often unavailable due to fear of being reported to authorities.

Thornton, 61, was reportedly seen on the chat while on an American Airlines flight in May, prompting a passenger to alert crew members. He was met by law enforcement upon landing at Los Angeles International Airport. Thornton's attorney told reporters he was misdirected to the site, left it promptly, and has never possessed illegal material or faced criminal charges. Nevertheless, images of his laptop screen showing activity in the chat were published, and he has since been removed from the upcoming season of the game show.