Long-time “Wheel of Fortune” announcer **Jim Thornton, 61, has been dismissed from the popular game show following an internal investigation into allegations stemming from an incident aboard a flight earlier this year.
Sony Pictures Television Studios confirmed that Thornton’s employment had been terminated with immediate effect after completing what it described as a thorough investigation.
“Following a thorough investigation, Jim Thornton’s employment with ‘Wheel of Fortune’ has been terminated, effective immediately,” a spokesperson for the studio said.
Thornton had been suspended from the programme on September 1, after Sony said it had received allegations concerning him. The decision forced producers to temporarily replace him while the investigation was ongoing.
The incident reportedly occurred on May 14 while Thornton was travelling on an American Airlines flight from Charlotte, North Carolina, to Los Angeles.
American Airlines said Flight 1276 was met by law enforcement officers after landing at Los Angeles International Airport following concerns raised by a passenger.
Thornton’s lawyer, Allison Hart, has rejected any suggestion that her client committed a crime.
She said Thornton was not arrested or charged and that police questioned him for less than five minutes before determining that no wrongdoing had occurred and allowing him to leave.
Despite the absence of criminal charges, Sony proceeded with its internal investigation and has now ended Thornton’s employment.
Production disruption
The decision has also created difficulties for the production of the upcoming season of “Wheel of Fortune”, which is scheduled to premiere on September 14.
According to TMZ, producers were forced to revisit completed episodes following Thornton’s suspension, with production staff reportedly re-editing programmes to remove his presence and replace his voice with that of another announcer.
The process reportedly required substantial additional work because episodes had already been produced before the allegations emerged.
Thornton’s dismissal means the long-running programme will enter its new season without the announcer, whose voice has been associated with the show.
The circumstances surrounding the in-flight incident remain disputed, with Thornton’s legal team maintaining that he did nothing unlawful, while Sony has concluded its own investigation and terminated his employment.
The case highlights the significant professional consequences that can follow allegations even where no criminal charges are ultimately brought.
