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'Wheel of Fortune' announcer Jim Thornton terminated after investigation
By Janelle Ash
Published September 04, 2026
Sony Pictures Television Studios has fired Jim Thornton from "Wheel of Fortune."
A Sony spokesperson told Fox News Digital on Friday: "Following a thorough investigation, Jim Thornton’s employment with Wheel of Fortune has been terminated, effective immediately."
The news of Thornton's termination comes after he was suspended from the game show earlier this week.
Jim Thornton has been the announcer of "Wheel of Fortune" since 2011. (Disney via Getty Images)
"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 Pictures Television Studios told Fox News Digital on Sept. 1. Sony did not specify the nature of the allegations.
‘WHEEL OF FORTUNE’ ANNOUNCER JIM THORNTON SUSPENDED AS SONY INVESTIGATES ALLEGATIONS
Thornton was hired as an announcer for the game show in 2011.
Ryan Seacrest and Vanna White on "Celebrity Wheel of Fortune." (Disney via Getty Images)
The alleged incident was related to an American Airlines flight Thornton took in May, according to TMZ, in which another passenger complained about Thornton’s behavior. He was met by law enforcement at the gate.
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Ryan Seacrest hosting "Celebrity Wheel of Fortune" last year. (Disney via Getty Images)
"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," the airline told TMZ.
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Thornton was not taken into custody, TMZ reported.
Pat Sajak was previously the host of "Wheel of Fortune." (Christopher Willard/ABC via Getty Images)
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On Sept. 2, Thornton's attorney addressed the allegations in a statement to TMZ. His attorney told the outlet that the 61-year-old "did not engage in any illegal conduct, was not arrested, and has not been charged with any crime."
Thornton's lawyer told TMZ: "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."
Ryan Seacrest is the current host of "Wheel of Fortune." (Disney via Getty Images)
Fox News Digital has reached out to Thornton's attorney for comment.
Thornton replaced iconic "Wheel of Fortune" announcer Charlie O’Donnell after O’Donnell's death in 2010.
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Fox News Digital's Brie Stimson contributed to this report.
https://www.foxnews.com/entertainment/wheel-fortune-announcer-jim-thornton-terminated-after-investigation