Ryan Seacrest Won’t ‘Play Hero’ to Help ‘Wheel of Fortune’ Announcer Amid Investigation

Ryan Seacrest isn’t in the business of helping colleagues involved in controversy, says a TV insider close to the television star.

Seacrest, 51, who is just days away from marking his two-year anniversary as the host of Wheel of Fortune, is not interested in becoming embroiled with the controversy surrounding the game show’s longtime announcer, Jim Thornton.

In Rob Shuter‘s latest Naughty But Nice Substack published on Thursday, September 3, an insider revealed that Seacrest tends to stay far from workplace drama.

“Ryan doesn’t do drama — especially somebody else’s,” a TV insider told Shuter. “His survival instinct is incredible. When controversy arrives, Ryan doesn’t play hero. He lets the executives handle it and keeps moving.”

As Closer previously reported, Thornton was recently suspended from Wheel of Fortune over allegations stemming from an incident that took place months ago on a commercial flight.

Thornton, 61, addressed the controversy through his attorney after Sony Pictures Television confirmed his suspension as it carries out an investigation.

Thornton “did not engage in any illegal conduct, was not arrested, and has not been charged with any crime,” his attorney told TMZ on Tuesday, September 1.

According to the insider, Seacrest is only interested in protecting himself.

“Ryan protects Ryan,” the insider added. “He doesn’t publicly challenge the network, pick unnecessary fights or attach his brand to another person’s crisis. If there’s trouble, he creates distance — fast.”

The allegations against Thornton stem from American Airlines Flight 1276 on May 14, when another passenger complained about Thornton to a flight attendant.

Law enforcement became involved after the flight landed in Los Angeles, California, but the airline has not identified further details.

“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,” Thornton’s attorney continued.

Sony Pictures Television confirmed they are “recasting” Thornton’s role as they conduct a “thorough investigation,” per a statement shared by People.

Thornton joined the show in 2011, taking over following the death of longtime announcer Charlie O’Donnell.