‘Wheel of Fortune’ Announcer Jim Thornton Suspended Amid Investigation

“Wheel of Fortune” announcer Jim Thornton has been suspended from the game show while Sony Pictures Television investigates allegations involving him.

A spokesperson for Sony Pictures Television told Entertainment Weekly that the studio recently became aware of allegations concerning Thornton and is recasting the announcer role during a “thorough investigation.” The studio did not disclose the reason for the suspension or how long it will last.

TMZ, which first reported the suspension, said it stemmed from an alleged incident aboard a commercial airline flight Thornton was taking. According to the report, another passenger complained about Thornton to a flight attendant. The pilot then contacted law enforcement, and officers met Thornton when the flight arrived at Los Angeles International Airport. He was questioned and released.

A source told Entertainment Weekly that the airline is cooperating with law enforcement. American Airlines confirmed that Flight 1276 was met by law enforcement at LAX on May 14 following concerns reported by a passenger.

Thornton joined “Wheel of Fortune” in 2011 and currently serves as the announcer for both the main show, hosted by Ryan Seacrest and Vanna White, and “Celebrity Wheel of Fortune.” He previously worked alongside longtime host Pat Sajak, who retired from the main show in June 2024 and from the celebrity edition the following year.

Thornton began his broadcasting career in 1983 while attending Marshall University. He later worked in Los Angeles radio and television and has provided voice work for projects including “Monsters, Inc.,” “Celebrity Deathmatch” and “The Cleveland Show.”