Jim Thornton fired from 'Wheel of Fortune' after airplane incident
Wheel of Fortune announcer Jim Thornton was fired following an investigation into an airplane incident where he was allegedly viewing inappropriate content on his laptop. Thornton's attorney denies wrongdoing, claiming he was misdirected to a forum while researching suicide prevention.
Why it matters
The incident involves a high-profile media figure and raises questions about corporate conduct and digital safety.
Hear this story Editor's note: This story contains details some readers may find disturbing.
" Wheel of Fortune " has fired longtime announcer Jim Thornton following an investigation stemming from an alleged incident aboard a flight in May.
"Following a thorough investigation, Jim Thornton’s employment with Wheel of Fortune has been terminated, effective immediately," a spokesperson for Sony Pictures Television said in a Sept. 4 statement to USA TODAY.
Sony previously confirmed on Sept. 1 that Thornton had been suspended and that the show had begun recasting his role while the investigation was underway.
USA TODAY has reached out to Thornton's attorney for comment.
TMZ was first to report Thornton's firing.
His firing comes after TMZ published photos on Sept. 3 purportedly showing Thornton, 61, browsing a website on his laptop while on a flight in May.
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