‘Wheel of Fortune’ announcer Jim Thornton has been suspended as Sony Pictures Television Studios investigates allegations against him.
The company is not sharing many details, but did release a statement confirming the role will be recast pending the investigation’s outcome.
“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,” a spokesperson for Sony shared with Fox News Digital.
While they did not provide a reason for the suspension, celebrity gossip site TMZ notes that this comes after an alleged incident in May, when an airline passenger complained about Thornton while on a flight.
“Sources with direct knowledge tell us the pilot called ahead to have law enforcement meet Thornton when they arrived at the gate,” the outlet reported, adding that the announcer was “eventually released” after questioning.
Thornton’s lawyer gave a statement to TMZ, maintaining that the announcer “did not engage in any illegal conduct, was not arrested, and has not been charged with any crime. When questioned about the complaint made by a fellow passenger on the flight, law enforcement spoke to him for five minutes or less, immediately determined that no wrongdoing had occurred and told my client he was free to go.”
X users had a lot to say about the story:
“Kick that seat one more time, and you’ll win… A BRAND NEW FIST!”
— Robert Brennan (@BigRedBrennan) September 2, 2026
He took a piss in the aisle as he yelled ‘I’d like to buy a ‘PEE!’
— My Friend Peter (@MyFriendPeter69) September 1, 2026
“I’d like to solve the puzzle…” pic.twitter.com/hwz00NK2jG
— Canoga Park News (@CanogaParkNews) September 2, 2026
Caught smuggling vowels
— Roman Griffen (@RomanGriffen) September 2, 2026
“I’d like to buy an attorney…”
— Brad B. (@TechnicallyBrad) September 1, 2026
Why is this news? No one has ever heard of him. If the janitor at Wheel of Fortune got suspended would we be hearing about that? No. This man’s agent is trying to get publicity for him. Is he writing a book, wanting to start a new career? Who cares about him?
— tweetlady 🐊🌞🌊🇺🇸 (@tweeticizer) September 2, 2026
They should just play reruns of the 40 years of Wheel of Fortune Pat Sajak did. People will have forgot the puzzles by now. It would be like a new show.
— Believe On Jesus Christ (@BelieveOnJesus) September 2, 2026
What’s the story here, what was he suspended for? He wasn’t held for anything? This makes no sense. Maybe he refused to give his jacket to some asshat that reported him for being obnoxious to them. 🤷♀️. Like I said, this makes no sense!!! Tell us what went on to cause this BS!
— Dee (@DeezSuper7) September 1, 2026
Writers and editors can be contacted at [email protected] with feedback, tips, or corrections.
Sierra Marlee is a millennial whose hunger for the truth in a world of fake news has led her to write. Marlee also contributes to BizPac Review.
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