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Sony Pictures Television is finding a replacement for Jim Thornton's role in Wheel of Fortune.
After the alleged aeroplane incident, the infamous announcer has been suspended, per the television network's representative.
Jim Thornton's alleged airplane incident
For those unaware, the controversial aeroplane incident took place when Jim was boarded on a plane in May of this year.
During the flight, the 61-year-old American radio announcer and television actor faced a complaint by his fellow passenger.
Page Six reported that Jim's fellow passenger complained to the flight attendant during his flight to Los Angeles.
The allegations were disclosed by the management; however, insiders revealed that due to the complaint, law enforcement officers were notified about the alleged incident and met Thornton at the gate upon arrival at his destination.
At the time, Jim, who wore a Wheel of Fortune jacket, was questioned by officers and then released.
American Airlines confirmed that an alleged incident was reported on the flight heading to Los Angeles International Airport on May 14th, and officers were notified.
Sony Pictures confirms Jim Thornton's departure from Wheel of Fortune
However, months after the aeroplane incident, he was officially suspended by Sony Television, as they released a statement, "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," the spokesperson added.
Since when Jim Thornton has been part of Wheel of Fortune?
Notably, Jim Thornton initially joined Wheel of Fortune in 2011 after former announcer Charlie O'Donnell died from congestive heart failure at the age of 78.
He worked alongside former Wheel of Fortune host Pat Sajak up until the latter retired from the show after more than four decades in 2024.
Additionally, Jim Thornton has previously briefly appeared on The Soup, The Price Is Right and Celebrity Deathmatch.
The infamous television star has yet to speak out over the latest development in his alleged aeroplane incident investigation.
