Wheel of Fortune's Jim Thornton Allegedly Visited Pedophilia Chatroom
Variety • • entertainment
Key Points:
- Jim Thornton, announcer for "Wheel of Fortune," was suspended following allegations that he was using a chat room on an American Airlines flight in May, which a passenger claimed appeared to be for pedophiles; photos of his laptop screen were provided to TMZ but remain unauthenticated.
- The passenger reported the incident to a flight attendant, and Thornton was questioned by authorities at LAX upon landing but was ultimately released; Sony Pictures TV confirmed his suspension and said they are recasting his role while investigating.
- Thornton’s lawyer stated that the situation is a misunderstanding, explaining he has been active in suicide-prevention advocacy by visiting chat rooms to support individuals with suicidal ideation, and denied any involvement with unlawful content.
- Thornton, who joined "Wheel of Fortune" in 2010 and has a background in radio and TV announcing, has not publicly commented on the suspension and maintains a low social media profile; his last known agency closed in 2024.
- The allegations have surprised colleagues given Thornton’s previously positive reputation, and the investigation into the matter is ongoing.
