‘Wheel of Fortune’ Editing Out Announcer Jim Thornton Following Suspension and Investigation

Longtime Wheel of Fortune announcer Jim Thornton — who was suspended from the popular game show amid allegations stemming from a recent airplane flight — is reportedly being edited out of the show.

According to a Wednesday, September 2, TMZ report, sources familiar with the situation said early episodes from the upcoming season (which will premiere Monday, September 14) are being edited with a new announcer.

One source told the outlet that the last-minute change to the show is a “major undertaking.”

As Closer previously reported, Sony Pictures Television is currently investigating claims against him, though the nature of the allegations has not been revealed.

“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,” Sony Pictures Television Studios told TMZ in a statement earlier this week.

The outlet reported that the allegations stem from an incident aboard a commercial flight in May, when another passenger complained about Thornton to a flight attendant.

The pilot arranged for law enforcement to meet Thornton when the plane reached the gate. He was questioned and later released.

American Airlines confirmed to the outlet that authorities responded after Flight 1276 landed at Los Angeles International Airport.

“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,” the airline said.

Thornton has voiced Wheel of Fortune since 2011, succeeding longtime announcer Charlie O’Donnell. He has also worked on The Price Is Right and more.