Sony Pictures Television terminated longtime Wheel of Fortune announcer Jim Thornton on Friday, effective immediately, following an internal investigation into allegations reported this week. The decision comes after Thornton was suspended on Tuesday as Sony conducted its probe.
Thornton’s attorney denies wrongdoing, stating he was not arrested, charged, or accused of a crime. Authorities questioned him briefly at Los Angeles International Airport in May but released him without further action.
The allegations stem from an American Airlines flight on May 14, when a passenger reported concerns about Thornton’s laptop screen. The passenger, who photographed the screen, alleged the visible content included messages referencing children in a sexual context, including references to a restaurant described as an "All-you-can-eat Boyfett" and the abbreviation "CP," commonly interpreted as shorthand for child pornography. Law enforcement met the plane upon arrival but did not detain Thornton.
Sony confirmed Thornton’s termination in a statement but did not specify the nature of the allegations. The company stated it was conducting a thorough investigation before making its decision.
Thornton, 61, has been the Wheel of Fortune announcer since 2011. The show’s producers announced they were recasting while the investigation was underway.
Thornton’s Legal Defense
Thornton’s attorney, Allison Hart, stated in a letter obtained by multiple outlets that her client did not engage in illegal conduct. Hart claimed Thornton was accidentally directed to a chatroom while visiting a suicide-prevention website. She stated he left the chatroom upon realizing its content and that he has been active in suicide-prevention advocacy since a close family member died by suicide two years ago.
Hart identified the intended site as 988lifeline.org, a legitimate crisis support platform, and said an acquaintance sent Thornton a link to a similarly named but unrelated forum, lifeline.chat, which he believed was also a suicide-prevention resource. She asserted he did not view or participate in inappropriate content and left the chatroom immediately upon recognizing the nature of the site.
Timeline of Events
- May 14: American Airlines Flight 1276 from Charlotte to Los Angeles lands at LAX; law enforcement meets the plane after a passenger reports concerns about Thornton’s laptop screen. Thornton is questioned and released without arrest or charges.
- September 1: Sony suspends Thornton and announces it is recasting while investigating allegations.
- September 2: Thornton’s attorney releases a statement denying any illegal activity and claiming accidental exposure to the chatroom.
- September 6: Sony terminates Thornton’s employment, effective immediately.
Reactions and Industry Impact
The termination marks the end of Thornton’s 13-year tenure on Wheel of Fortune, one of the longest-running game shows in television history. The incident has drawn public attention and raised questions about workplace accountability and online behavior.
Sony has not provided further details about the investigation or the specific allegations. The company stated only that it acted after becoming aware of concerns and that its decision followed a thorough review.
Thornton has not publicly commented beyond his attorney’s statement. The passenger who reported the incident has not been identified, and no criminal charges have been filed against Thornton.