“Wheel of Fortune” Announcer Jim Thornton Fired Following In-Flight Incident
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Wheel Of Fortune Announcer Fired
Jim Thornton, the announcer for Wheel of Fortune, has allegedly been fired from the popular game show. The firing reportedly follows an in-flight pedophilia chatroom incident.
Sony Pictures Television Studios first confirmed to TMZ that he was suspended from his position on Tuesday, September 1.
“We have recently been made aware of allegations concerning Jim Thornton. He has been suspended from Wheel of Fortune and we are recasting while we conduct a thorough investigation.”
TMZ obtained a statement from American Airlines shedding more light on what happened. Thornton’s name was not mentioned by the airline.
The airline said, “On May 14, American Airlines Flight 1276 was met by law enforcement upon arrival at Los Angeles International Airport following concerns reported by a customer onboard.”
A spokesperson for Sony Pictures Television Studios confirmed the decision in a statement to Page Six.
“Following a thorough investigation, Jim Thornton’s employment with ‘Wheel of Fortune’ has been terminated, effective immediately,” the spokesperson said.
In addition to announcing for Wheel of Fortune, he has contributed his voice to shows and films, including The Cleveland Show and the Pixar film Monsters, Inc. (2001). Thornton’s social media pages have since been deleted following the incident.
