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| Jim Thornton |
Sony Pictures Television has fired “Wheel of Fortune” announcer Jim Thornton, effective immediately, after an investigation into a mid-flight incident in May.
“Following a thorough investigation, Jim Thornton’s employment with ‘Wheel of Fortune’ has been terminated, effective immediately,” the studio said in a statement.
The firing came three days after Sony suspended Thornton and said it would recast the role while it investigated. A spokesperson said at the time that the company had “recently been made aware of allegations concerning Jim Thornton.”
TMZ first reported the suspension and later published screenshots of chat-room activity a fellow passenger said was captured during the flight. That passenger’s complaint was relayed to a flight attendant and ultimately to the cockpit.
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| Thornton Viewing Laptop During Flight |
American Airlines said Flight 1276 on May 14 “was met by law enforcement upon arrival at Los Angeles International Airport following concerns reported by a customer onboard.”
Thornton was questioned and released. The company did not publicly detail the allegations.
Thornton’s lawyer told TMZ on Wednesday that Thornton “did not engage in any illegal conduct, was not arrested and has not been charged with any crime.” The attorney said police spoke with him for five minutes or less, “immediately determined that no wrongdoing had occurred and told my client he was free to go.”