Wheel of Fortune’s longtime announcer just got pulled from the show, and the reason involves a commercial flight and a pilot’s urgent call to law enforcement. Sony Pictures Television Studios confirmed Jim Thornton’s suspension following undisclosed allegations tied to an in-flight incident.
Jim Thornton’s suspension comes after alleged allegations
Sony Pictures Television Studios has suspended Wheel of Fortune announcer Jim Thornton after allegations linked to a commercial flight emerged, according to TMZ. The studio confirmed his removal and plans to fill his role during a review. Sony said, “We have recently been made aware of allegations concerning Jim Thornton.”
The reported incident allegedly took place in May on American Airlines Flight 1276. Another passenger onboard raised concerns about Thornton’s conduct during the journey. He was reportedly dressed in a Wheel of Fortune jacket when the alleged behavior occurred.
Following the complaint, the pilot alerted law enforcement before the plane landed at Los Angeles International Airport. Officers met Thornton at the gate and questioned him after he exited the aircraft. American Airlines told TMZ the flight “was met by law enforcement upon arrival” after a customer reported concerns.
Sony declined to share specifics about what Thornton allegedly did on the flight. The company noted only that it is conducting “a thorough investigation” into the matter. Thornton has remained silent publicly regarding both the suspension and the reported allegations.
Thornton stepped into the announcer role in 2011 as a successor to Charlie O’Donnell. O’Donnell had served as announcer from 1975 to 1980 and again from 1989 until his death in 2010. Before joining Wheel of Fortune full-time, Thornton had a brief announcing stint on The Price Is Right.
Ryan Seacrest assumed hosting duties from Pat Sajak in 2024 after Sajak’s decades-long tenure. Sajak officially retired in 2025 following a short run on Celebrity Wheel of Fortune. Vanna White remains on the show as co-host alongside Seacrest for the current season.
