Archive · 3 Sep 2026
Wheel of Fortune Announcer Denies Wrongdoing After Suspension
Jim Thornton is the announcer on the television show Wheel of Fortune.
He was suspended while Sony Pictures Television investigates allegations about an incident.
The reported incident happened during an American Airlines flight in May.
After the plane landed, law enforcement spoke with Thornton at Los Angeles International Airport.
His lawyer says the conversation lasted five minutes or less and that officials found no wrongdoing.
The lawyer also says Thornton was not arrested or charged with a crime.
Sony has not explained what the allegations are.
The show is temporarily finding someone else to do the announcing while the investigation continues.
Jim Thornton has denied wrongdoing after being suspended as Wheel of Fortune’s announcer.
Sony Pictures Television is investigating allegations and temporarily recasting the announcer role.
Thornton’s attorney said he committed no illegal conduct, was not arrested, and faces no criminal charges.
The matter reportedly involves a May 14 American Airlines flight that was met by law enforcement at Los Angeles International Airport.
Thornton joined Wheel of Fortune in 2011 and has also announced or voiced several other television programs.
- Who
- Jim Thornton, Sony Pictures Television, American Airlines, and law enforcement are involved.
- What
- Thornton was suspended from Wheel of Fortune while Sony Pictures Television investigates undisclosed allegations; Thornton denies wrongdoing.
- When
- Thornton was suspended on Tuesday, September 1; the reported flight incident occurred on May 14.
- Where
- The reported incident occurred on American Airlines Flight 1276, which arrived at Los Angeles International Airport.
- Why
- Sony Pictures Television said it was conducting a thorough investigation, but it did not disclose the allegations.
Thornton’s Defense
Studio Investigation
Whether wrongdoing occurred
Thornton’s Defense
Thornton’s attorney says he did not break any law and that law enforcement quickly determined no wrongdoing had occurred.
Studio Investigation
Sony Pictures Television suspended Thornton and is conducting a thorough investigation into allegations it has not publicly detailed.
What happened after the flight
Thornton’s Defense
Thornton’s attorney says law enforcement questioned him for five minutes or less and immediately allowed him to leave.
Studio Investigation
American Airlines confirmed that Flight 1276 was met by law enforcement after a customer reported concerns, but the airline did not provide details or identify Thornton.
- Person
- Jim Thornton, 61, has served as Wheel of Fortune’s announcer since 2011.
- Investigation
- Sony Pictures Television is investigating allegations involving Thornton.
- Employment action
- Thornton has been suspended and the announcer role is being temporarily recast.
- Reported flight
- The matter reportedly involves American Airlines Flight 1276 on May 14.
- Airport response
- The flight was met by law enforcement after arriving at Los Angeles International Airport.
- Attorney’s statement
- Thornton’s attorney said he did not engage in illegal conduct, was not arrested, and has not been charged.
- Other work
- Thornton has worked on The Price Is Right and The Soup and voiced The Cleveland Show and Monsters, Inc.