‘Wheel Of Fortune’ Sidelines Announcer After Mysterious Plane Incident
Sony Pictures Television Studios suspended “Wheel of Fortune” host Jim Thornton after an alleged incident May 14 aboard a commercial flight.
“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,” Sony told TMZ.
American Airlines told the outlet that “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 exact nature of the alleged incident was not disclosed.
In addition to suspending Thornton, Sony has reportedly also scrapped the first month of the new season of “Wheel of Fortune,” which has already been taped and is scheduled to premiere September 14.
TMZ’s sources told the outlet that producers are re-editing the episodes with a new announcer in Thornton’s place, and described the process as being a “major undertaking.”
TMZ reported that the May incident involved a passenger who complained about Thornton to a flight attendant, which prompted the pilot to call ahead for law enforcement to meet him at the gate.
Their sources said officers questioned Thornton but eventually released him. (RELATED: Alanis Morissette Drops Bombshell Lawsuit Alleging Extortion Scheme)
Thornton’s attorney issued a statement saying that he “did not engage in any illegal conduct, was not arrested, and has not been charged with any crime,” according to 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.”
Thornton has been the announcer of the hit game show since 2011. He has also lent his talents to “The Price is Right,” “The Soup,” and “The Cleveland Show,” as well as the animated movie “Monsters, Inc.”
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