Wheel of Fortune suspends Jim Thornton over allegations he entered pedophilia chat room | Today’s news
“Wheel of Fortune” anchor Jim Thornton has been suspended by Sony Pictures Television following allegations stemming from an incident on an American Airlines flight, with the broadcaster’s lawyer denying any wrongdoing.
Jim Thornton faces suspension over alleged chat room pedophilia
Sony Pictures confirmed the suspension on Tuesday, saying it had recently learned of the allegations involving Thornton and was recasting his role as part of what it described as a “thorough investigation.” The studio has not publicly clarified the allegations.
More details emerged this week via TMZ, which reported that a passenger on the May 14 American Airlines flight from Charlotte to Los Angeles saw what appeared to be a disturbing online chat open on Thornton’s laptop. The passenger told the outlet that the material appeared to include conversations about sexual interest in minors and alerted the flight attendant.
TMZ subsequently published photos allegedly taken by the passenger. Images have not been independently verified and their content has not been verified by authorities or Sony Pictures Television.
According to TMZ, law enforcement met with Thornton at Los Angeles International Airport after the flight landed. He was questioned and released. His attorney, Allison Hart, told the paper that he was not arrested or charged and that officers quickly determined that no crime had been committed.
Hart offered another explanation for what appeared on Thornton’s screen. She said the broadcaster has been involved in suicide prevention advocacy since the suicide of a close family member two years ago and has visited online forums designed to support people experiencing suicidal thoughts.
What did his lawyers say?
According to his lawyer, Thornton inadvertently accessed a website he believed was related to a suicide prevention promotion. Hart said the site is not illegal and does not contain any illegal child sexual abuse material. She claimed that Thornton did not even view, download or otherwise consume such material.
Thornton himself has not issued a public statement, and his representatives have largely stayed out of the public eye. Still, the case attracted considerable attention because of its long association with one of American television’s most famous game shows.
Sony’s decision has already affected the production of “Wheel of Fortune.” TMZ reported that episodes for the upcoming season were recorded prior to the suspension and that producers are working to remove Thornton from the episodes and replace him at his announcement. The premiere of the new season is scheduled for September 14.
The Washington Post reported that American Airlines confirmed that Flight 1276, which flew from Charlotte to Los Angeles on May 14, met with law enforcement after a passenger raised concerns. The airline did not identify Thornton as the passenger involved.
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Thornton has been the voice of “Wheel of Fortune” since 2011, when he replaced Charlie O’Donnell following O’Donnell’s death. He later continued in the role alongside host Pat Sajak and, following Sajak’s retirement in 2024, Ryan Seacrest and Vanna White.
His broadcasting career extends far beyond game shows. Thornton has worked in radio and television in Los Angeles, including roles at KNX and KCBS-TV, and has also provided announcing and voice-over work for programs including “The Price Is Right,” “Celebrity Deathmatch” and “The Cleveland Show.”
The central issue remains under investigation. Sony has not said how long Thornton’s suspension will last or whether he will return to the program, while his lawyer continues to deny any wrongdoing.
