It didn't take long for Wheel of Fortune to decide on the future of its announcer, Jim Thornton.
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In a statement on Friday (September 4), Sony Pictures Television said that the announcer's employment had been terminated. Effective immediately.
Jim Thornton Axed From 'Wheel of Fortune'
"Following a thorough investigation, Jim Thornton's employment with 'Wheel of Fortune' has been terminated, effective immediately," the studio said in a statement obtained by Variety.
The news came hours after TMZ dropped explosive new details about Thornton's May 2026 incident on an American Airlines flight. The incident caused Sony Pictures to suspend him initially.
Photos showed the Wheel of Fortune announcer appearing to engage in an internet chat room with other pedophiles.
"Went to Golden Corral with my dad and his wife yesterday. Cool hangout for kids. Saw a couple of cute boys and hot little girls," one of the messages in the photo obtained by the outlet read.
Another message replied to the message, referring to the restaurant at the "All-you-can-eat Boyfett."
One passenger saw the messages on Jim's laptop, snapped a photo of him and the texts, and immediately alerted one of the flight attendants on board. Law enforcement was notified and met the ex-Wheel of Fortune announcer at his gate once he had deplaned. However, upon a brief discussion with the police, it was determined that Thornton had not committed any crime. Thus, he was free to go.
Thorton's Lawyer Slams Allegations
Thornton's lawyer explained that he had been grieving the loss of a family member. He had been seeking support for people with suicidal thoughts. But visited a website with a similar domain and the alleged pedo chat room.
Upon realizing the contents of that chat room, he exited and did not revisit the site. Which is why went free.
"It is for that reason that my client was never arrested or charged with a crime," his attorney told Page Six. "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."
