Jim Thornton’s Lawyer Responds After ‘Wheel of Fortune’ Suspension, Shares New Details Amid ‘Allegation’ Claim | Just Jared

News broke yesterday (September 1) that Wheel of Fortune announcer Jim Thornton had been suspended and his role will be recast. Apparently, this stems from “allegations” made.

The 61-year-old has had the gig since 2011.

Jim Thornton’s lawyer released a statement on the allegation

His lawyer said, via TMZ, that he “did not engage in any illegal conduct, was not arrested, and has not been charged with any crime. 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.”

Sony Pictures Television Studios released a statement on the suspension of Jim Thornton

“We have recently been made aware of allegations concerning Jim Thornton. He has been suspended from Wheel of Fortune and we are recasting while we conduct a thorough investigation,” they shared.

Why was Jim Thornton suspended?

While Sony Pictures Television Studios did not give a reason, TMZ has some alleged info.

They claim, “Thornton was on a commercial flight back in May, and a passenger complained to a flight attendant about Thornton.”

Jim was allegedly wearing a Wheel of Fortune jacket at the time, when a pilot called in about a passenger.

American Airlines told the publication: “On May 14, American Airlines Flight 1276 was met by law enforcement upon arrival at Los Angeles International Airport following concerns reported by a customer onboard.”

He has been with the show since 2011.

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