Wheel of Fortune announcer Jim Thornton’s lawyer shares new details of plane incident amid suspension
An attorney for the suspended game show announcer emphasized that he “did not engage in any illegal conduct.”
Key Points
- Wheel of Fortune announcer Jim Thornton’s lawyer has shared new details around the alleged plane incident that led to his suspension.
- Sony Pictures Television confirmed to Entertainment Weekly on Tuesday that Thornton had been suspended as the studio plans to “conduct a thorough investigation.”
- Thornton has been a part of the show since 2011.
New details are emerging regarding the plane incident that led to Wheel of Fortune announcer Jim Thornton’s suspension.
The longtime announcer, who has worked on the game show since 2011, “did not engage in any illegal conduct, was not arrested, and has not been charged with any crime,” his attorney told TMZ on Tuesday.
Thornton was reportedly suspended following an alleged incident that occurred on a commercial airline flight he was on in May. A fellow passenger allegedly complained about the announcer to a flight attendant, which led to a pilot calling law enforcement. Now, his lawyer is sharing more information about the event.
“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,” the attorney added to TMZ.
Entertainment Weekly has not been able to reach Thornton’s attorney for comment directly.
A spokesperson from Sony Pictures Television confirmed Thornton’s suspension to EW on Tuesday, although they did not share a reason for the decision. It’s unclear how long the suspension will be.
“We have recently been made aware of allegations concerning Jim Thornton,” the spokesperson said in a statement. “He has been suspended from Wheel of Fortune and we are recasting while we conduct a thorough investigation.”
Meanwhile, American Airlines told EW, “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.”
Thornton has been the voice of Wheel of Fortune for about 15 years, having replaced longtime announcer Charlie O’Donnell, who died in 2010. He also serves as the announcer for Celebrity Wheel of Fortune.
He previously worked with Pat Sajak until the former host’s retirement. Wheel of Fortune is now hosted by Ryan Seacrest and Vanna White. Although Thornton is currently suspended and his role is being “recasted,” a pre-recorded episode featuring him aired on Tuesday.
