Jim Thornton, announcer for 'Wheel of Fortune,' suspended amid investigation into airline incident

Jim Thornton, the announcer for 'Wheel of Fortune,' has been suspended following allegations related to an incident on an airplane earlier this year. A spokesperson for Sony stated, "We have recently been made aware of allegations concerning Jim Thornton." The spokesperson confirmed that Thornton has been suspended from the show and that a recasting is underway while an investigation is conducted. Details surrounding the incident remain undisclosed, but sources reported to TMZ that Thornton was involved in an incident on a flight in May, where a fellow passenger allegedly raised concerns with a flight attendant. Law enforcement was notified and met Thornton at the gate upon his arrival. American Airlines confirmed that an incident was reported on a flight to Los Angeles International Airport on May 14, which prompted police involvement. Thornton has been with 'Wheel of Fortune' since 2011, following the death of former announcer Charlie O'Donnell. He worked alongside former host Pat Sajak until Sajak's retirement in 2024. Thornton has also made appearances on shows like 'The Soup' and 'The Price Is Right,' and voiced a character in the Disney film 'Monsters, Inc.'