Jim Thornton’s attorney is pushing back against speculation surrounding the longtime Wheel of Fortune announcer after Sony Pictures Television Studios suspended him and began recasting his role.
TMZ reported on Tuesday, September 1 that Sony confirmed Thornton’s suspension, saying it had recently learned of allegations involving the announcer, who has been with the game show since 2011. “We have recently been made aware of allegations concerning Jim Thornton. He has been suspended from Wheel of Fortune and we are recasting while we conduct a thorough investigation,” the studio said.
What Did Jim Thornton’s Lawyer Say?
Thornton’s attorney has now issued a statement to TMZ amid speculation, denying that the announcer committed a crime.
Thornton “did not engage in any illegal conduct, was not arrested, and has not been charged with any crime. When questioned about the complaint made by a fellow passenger on the flight, law enforcement spoke to him for five minutes or less, immediately determined that no wrongdoing had occurred and told my client he was free to go.”
What Reportedly Happened on the American Airlines Flight?
According to TMZ, the matter is connected to a May 14 commercial flight. The outlet reported that another passenger complained about Thornton to a flight attendant and that the pilot arranged for law enforcement to meet the plane when it landed at Los Angeles International Airport. American Airlines confirmed that authorities met Flight 1276 after it arrived.
“On May 14, American Airlines Flight 1276 was met by law enforcement upon arrival at Los Angeles International Airport following concerns reported by a customer onboard,” the airline told the outlet.
Thornton was reportedly questioned by officers and then allowed to leave. His attorney has clarified that the interaction lasted five minutes or less.
How Long Has Jim Thornton Been on ‘Wheel of Fortune’?
(Photo by Carlos Chavez/Los Angeles Times via Getty Images)
Thornton took over the announcing job in 2011, stepping in after Charlie O’Donnell, who held the role for decades before his death in 2010.
The Hollywood Reporter reported that Tuesday’s episode, featuring host Ryan Seacrest and Vanna White, still aired with Thornton’s voice, since it had been taped well before the suspension was announced.
Sony has said it’s moving forward with recasting the role while the investigation plays out, and the company has kept the specifics of the allegations under wraps.