Wheel of Fortunewill have a new announcer for the time being.
Sony Pictures Television said it suspended longtime announcerJim Thorntonfrom the ABC game show after undisclosed allegations were made against him.
“We have recently been made aware of allegations concerning Jim Thornton,” a Sony spokesperson said in a Sept. 1 statement to E! News. “He has been suspended fromWheel of Fortuneand we are recasting while we conduct a thorough investigation.”
While Sony did not provide additional details about the allegations against Thornton, Thornton and a fellow passenger on an American Airlines flight in May
Without identifying those involved, American Airlines said in a statement to E! News Sept. 1, “On May 14, American Airlines Flight 1276 was met by law enforcement upon arrival at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) following concerns reported by a customer onboard.”
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E! News has reached out to ABC for comment but has not heard back. E! News has not been able to locate contact information for Thornton to seek comment.
The new announcer will join the crew two years after hostPat Sajakretired from the seriesand was replaced byRyanSeacrest.Vanna Whitecontinues to serve as cohost.
Thornton first joinedWheel of Fortunein 2011 after the death ofCharlie O’Donnell, who had held announcing duties from 1979 to 1980 and again from 1989 to 2010.
In addition to his work on the long-running game show, Thornton has lent his voice toMonsters, Inc.andThe Cleveland Show, as well as several episodes ofCelebrity Deathmatch. He was also the former afternoon anchor for Los Angeles radio station KNX 1070.
And whileWheel of Fortuneaudiences oftentimes only heard him on the program, Thornton did make his way in front of the camera during a 2023 bonus roundwhen a contestant namedSarahWardrequested to meet him.
“I love Jim Thornton so much,” she exclaimed to host Sajak, who himself quipped at the time, “Did any money change hands at all?”
The camera cut to Thornton in his booth as he assured Sajak, “No, I promise, I promise, no!”
As Ward put it, “I just love him!”
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