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Jim Thornton | Source: Getty Images
Jim Thornton's Lawyer Pushes Back on Suspension, Says Police Found 'No Wrongdoing'
Sep 06, 202611:00 A.M.
Just a day after Sony suspended "Wheel of Fortune" announcer Jim Thornton amid an investigation, his attorney released a statement to clarify matters.
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An attorney representing Jim Thornton has released a statement following the “Wheel of Fortune” announcer’s suspension amid an ongoing investigation regarding an alleged incident on a flight back in May.
Thornton’s attorney, via TMZ, clarified that the announcer "did not engage in any illegal conduct, was not arrested, and has not been charged with any crime."
Announcer Jim Thornton behind the microphone for "Celebrity Wheel of Fortune," dated October 7, 2024 | Source: Getty Images
The statement continued, “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."
It was previously revealed that Sony Pictures Television Studios had suspended Thornton, telling publications it was "recasting while we conduct a thorough investigation" following the allegations.
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The nature of the allegations was not revealed by the studio but American Airlines previously confirmed that law enforcement met Flight 1276 upon its arrival in Los Angeles on May 14 after a customer onboard raised concerns, though the airline did not elaborate further.
Jim Thornton at the 2026 Voice Arts Awards on January 18, 2026 | Source: Getty Images
Despite the suspension, Thornton still appeared on Tuesday's pre-taped episode of “Wheel of Fortune,” which had been recorded prior to the announcement.
Thornton has served as the show's announcer since 2011, taking over after longtime announcer Charlie O'Donnell's death. He has also been the announcer for “Celebrity Wheel of Fortune” since 2021. He has also lent his voice to “The Price Is Right,” “The Soup,” “The Cleveland Show,” and Pixar's “Monsters, Inc.,” where he voiced a commercial announcer.
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