Jim Thornton Suspended From ‘Wheel of Fortune’ as Sony Investigates Allegations and Recasts Longtime Announcer Role

LOS ANGELES — Longtime Wheel of Fortune announcer Jim Thornton has been suspended from the popular game show while Sony Pictures Television Studios investigates allegations concerning him.

Sony confirmed the suspension this week, saying it had recently become aware of allegations involving Thornton. The studio said it is conducting a “thorough investigation” and has begun recasting the announcer role while the matter is reviewed. Sony has not publicly disclosed the specific nature of the allegations.

The development reportedly stems from an incident aboard an American Airlines flight on May 14, 2026. According to reports, a fellow passenger raised concerns about Thornton’s behavior during the flight, which was later met by law enforcement after arriving at Los Angeles International Airport. American Airlines confirmed that Flight 1276 was met by authorities following a customer concern.

Thornton was reportedly questioned by authorities but was not arrested or charged with a crime. His attorney has strongly pushed back against any suggestion of wrongdoing, saying Thornton did not engage in illegal conduct and that officers spoke with him for only a few minutes before determining that no wrongdoing had occurred and allowing him to leave.

Jim Thornton’s ‘Wheel of Fortune’ Career

Thornton became the announcer of Wheel of Fortune in 2011, succeeding Charlie O’Donnell following O’Donnell’s death in 2010. He remained part of the program through its transition from longtime host Pat Sajak to Ryan Seacrest, with Vanna White continuing as co-host.

He has also built a long broadcasting career, including work in Los Angeles radio and announcing or voice roles on programs such as The Price Is Right, Celebrity Deathmatch and The Cleveland Show.

For now, Thornton’s future with Wheel of Fortune remains uncertain. Sony’s investigation is ongoing, and the studio has not announced how long the suspension will last or who will permanently assume the announcer position.