Skip to main content
See every side of every news story
Get Started
SubscribeLogin
Published • loading... • Updated

New details emerge in suspension of 'Wheel of Fortune' announcer

Sony is re-editing about a month of episodes and recasting the role while it conducts a thorough investigation, the studio said.

  • Sony Pictures Television suspended Wheel of Fortune announcer Jim Thornton on Tuesday, September 1, while investigating allegations tied to his conduct during a May 14 flight.
  • A fellow passenger aboard American Airlines Flight 1276 allegedly photographed Thornton viewing a chatroom on his laptop, prompting the captain to alert law enforcement before landing at Los Angeles International Airport.
  • Attorney Allison Hart stated Thornton accidentally accessed the site while seeking suicide-prevention resources, denying he "never viewed, downloaded or consumed any child pornography."
  • Production teams are currently re-editing completed episodes to remove Thornton's voice and recasting the role ahead of Season 44's September 14, 2026 premiere.
  • Law enforcement officers questioned Thornton for less than five minutes upon arrival at LAX, ultimately determining no crime occurred and releasing him without charges.
Insights by Ground AI

20 Articles

HuffPostHuffPost
Left

Suspended 'Wheel Of Fortune' Announcer Went To Pedophilia Chatroom By Accident: Attorney

Jim Thornton was “misdirected” to the chatroom, his lawyer said.

·New York, United States
Read Full Article
OK! MagazineOK! Magazine
Lean Left

'Wheel of Fortune' Announcer Jim Thornton Denies 'Viewing Child Pornography' After He's Accused of Participating in Chat Room

'Wheel of Fortune' announcer Jim Thornton’s lawyer, Allison Hart, strongly denied the accusations that her client 'consumed' child pornography.

·London, United Kingdom
Read Full Article
The Daily CallerThe Daily Caller
Right

Disturbing Pedophilia Accusations Emerge Against ‘Wheel Of Fortune’ Announcer

Images have surfaced that appear to show suspended “Wheel of Fortune” announcer Jim Thornton exchanging messages in a child pornography chatroom.

·Washington, United States
Read Full Article
Toronto SunToronto Sun
Right

'Wheel of Fortune' announcer Jim Thornton caught in child porn allegations

A female passenger glanced at his laptop and saw images and texts that originated from an alleged pedophile chatroom.

·Toronto, Canada
Read Full Article
The Hollywood ReporterThe Hollywood Reporter
Lean Left

‘Wheel of Fortune’ Announcer Suspended After Alleged Pedophilia Chatroom Photos

Sony Pictures Television previously told The Hollywood Reporter that Jim Thornton was suspended pending an investigation into unspecified allegations.

·Los Angeles, United States
Read Full Article
ClevelandCleveland
Center

Jim Thornton responds after airline incident leads to Wheel of Fortune suspension

Longtime “Wheel of Fortune” announcer Jim Thornton is pushing back against allegations linked to an incident aboard an American Airlines flight that led Sony Pictures Television to suspend him while the company conducts an internal investigation. Thornton’s attorney says the veteran broadcaster did nothing illegal and was cleared by law enforcement shortly after being questioned, NBC News reported.

·Cleveland, United States
Read Full Article
Think freely.Subscribe and get full access to Ground NewsSubscriptions start at $9.99/yearSubscribe

Bias Distribution

  • 39% of the sources lean Left
39% Left

Factuality Info Icon

To view factuality data please Upgrade to Premium

Ownership

Info Icon

To view ownership data please Upgrade to Vantage

TMZ broke the news in Burbank, United States on Thursday, September 3, 2026.
Too Big Arrow Icon
Sources are mostly out of (0)

Similar News Topics

American Airlines icon

American Airlines

Sony icon

Sony

Entertainment icon

Entertainment

News
Feed Dots Icon
For You
Search Icon
SearchBlindspot LogoBlindspotLocal