Wheel of Fortune’s Jim Thornton Reportedly Fired Amid Chatroom Allegations

Wheel of Fortune announcer Jim Thornton‘s status with the show just went from suspended to fired amid a recent alleged pedophilia scandal.

Earlier this week, TMZ broke the news that Sony Pictures Television Studios had suspended the announcer, revealing to the media outlet, “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.”

Per TMZ, the alleged incident occurred when a passenger complained to a flight attendant about Thornton on a commercial flight in May. American Airlines confirmed to TMZ, “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.”

Following TMZ’s initial report, Thornton’s attorney, Allison Hart, denounced the information in the article, telling USA Today (via a letter), “My client did not engage in any illegal conduct, was not arrested, and has not been charged with a crime.” The statement continued, “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.”

On Friday, September 4, a spokesperson for Sony Pictures Television Studios told Page Six, “Following a thorough investigation, Jim Thornton’s employment with Wheel of Fortune has been terminated, effective immediately.”

Prior to his termination, Thornton’s attorney shared a statement with Page Six, explaining why the announcer allegedly visited a pedophilia support site accidentally during his May flight: “My client has become active in suicide-prevention advocacy since losing a close family member to suicide two years ago, and he has spent time visiting chat rooms offering support to individuals suffering from suicidal ideation.”

Thornton’s attorney added that he was misdirected to the wrong site and noted, “When my client understood what the website was about, he left the page and has not visited since.” Hart continued, “Law enforcement immediately confirmed that no crime had occurred and immediately told my client he was free to go. In short, my client did nothing wrong.”

According to Page Six’s recent report, Thornton will no longer work for Wheel of Fortune, but he has not been charged with a crime or arrested in connection with the alleged incident.