‘Wheel of Fortune’ Announcer Jim Thornton Fired After Investigation Into Allegations
A representative for Sony Pictures Television said Thornton's employment has been "terminated"
Announcer Jim Thornton has been fired from 'Wheel of Fortune' following an investigation into an alleged incident.
Eric McCandless/Disney via Getty Images
Wheel of Fortune announcer Jim Thornton has been fired.
A representative for Sony Pictures Television, which produces the game show, confirmed the news on Friday. The spokesperson said in a statement to Rolling Stone that following a “thorough investigation, Jim Thornton’s employment with Wheel of Fortune has been terminated, effective immediately.”
Thornton’s ousting follows a TMZ report over an alleged incident aboard a commercial flight on American Airlines in May. “On May 14, American Airlines Flight 1276 was met by law enforcement upon arrival at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) following concerns reported by a customer onboard,” American Airlines said in a statement to People. The airline did not provide any additional details about the alleged incident or identify Thornton.
In a statement to TMZ, Thornton’s attorney said the media personality “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,” Thornton’s attorney said.
Earlier this week, the longtime host was suspended following then-unspecified allegations.
A representative for Thornton, Sony Pictures Television, or American Airlines did not immediately respond to Rolling Stone’s request for comment.
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Thornton has served as the announcer for Wheel of Fortune since the 2010 death of Charlie O’Donnell, who previously held the post. He was also the afternoon anchor on news radio KNX 1070 in Los Angeles. Thornton has appeared on other shows including The Price Is Right, Celebrity Wheel of Fortune, and The Soup. He is also known for his voiceover work in movies and television, and has featured on The Cleveland Show and Monsters, Inc.
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