Wheel of Fortune announcer suspended following recent allegations

EntertainmentLifestyle
2 Sep 2026 • 8:31 PM MYT
The Independent
The Independent

The world’s most free-thinking newspaper

Wheel of Fortune announcer suspended following recent allegations

  • Sony Pictures Television has suspended Jim Thornton from his role as the announcer on Wheel of Fortune and is currently recasting the position while a thorough investigation into recent allegations is carried out.
  • The suspension follows an alleged incident on an American Airlines flight on 14 May, where law enforcement officers met the plane upon arrival in Los Angeles after a fellow passenger raised concerns.
  • Thornton's lawyer maintained that the presenter committed no illegal acts, was neither arrested nor charged, and was cleared by law enforcement after a brief five-minute conversation.
  • Despite the ongoing investigation and suspension, the 61-year-old broadcaster still featured on a pre-taped broadcast of the game show that aired on Tuesday evening.
  • Thornton has served as the voice of Wheel of Fortune since 2011, appearing in more than 2,200 episodes after succeeding the late Charlie O'Donnell, alongside working as an afternoon radio anchor in Los Angeles.

IN FULL

Newswav Malaysia Best News App

Newswav is an online content aggregator and obtains its content from different online sources. The content in the app do not belong to Newswav nor do they reflect the opinions of Newswav and its staff. Your use of this app indicates your understanding and acceptance of this information.

Newswav Sdn. Bhd. (201701008480 (1222645-M)) 2026 All Rights Reserved