Jim Thornton Terminated from 'Wheel of Fortune' Following Investigation

<p>Sony Pictures Television Studios has terminated Jim Thornton from 'Wheel of Fortune.' A spokesperson for Sony stated, "Following a thorough investigation, Jim Thornton’s employment with ‘Wheel of Fortune’ has been terminated, effective immediately," in a communication to Fox News Digital on Friday.</p><p>This decision follows Thornton's suspension from the game show earlier in the week. The spokesperson had previously indicated, "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," on September 1.</p><p>Sony has not disclosed the specific nature of the allegations against Thornton.</p><p>According to TMZ, the allegations were related to an incident on an American Airlines flight Thornton took in May, where another passenger reported concerns about his behavior. Law enforcement met the flight upon its arrival at Los Angeles International Airport.</p><p>The airline confirmed to TMZ, "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." Thornton was not taken into custody, as reported by TMZ.</p><p>On September 2, Thornton's attorney issued a statement to TMZ addressing the allegations, stating that the 61-year-old "did not engage in any illegal conduct, was not arrested and has not been charged with any crime." The attorney added that law enforcement spoke to Thornton for a brief period and determined that no wrongdoing had occurred.</p><p>Thornton joined 'Wheel of Fortune' as an announcer in 2011, succeeding Charlie O’Donnell, who passed away in 2010.</p><p>Fox News Digital has reached out to Thornton's attorney for further comment.</p>