Jim Thornton, 'Wheel of Fortune' Announcer, Investigated for Alleged Chatroom Activity

New photos show Jim Thornton, the announcer for 'Wheel of Fortune,' looking at a chatroom while on an American Airlines flight. The images, published by TMZ, depict Thornton, 61, using a laptop with a screen showing messages that have raised concerns, including references to children. According to timestamps, he was reportedly in the chatroom for nearly an hour. A passenger alerted a flight attendant after noticing the messages, leading to law enforcement being notified. Officers met Thornton at the gate upon arrival, questioned him, and subsequently released him without any charges. This incident occurred on May 14. Thornton's attorney, Allison Hart, stated that he accidentally entered the chatroom while attempting to access a support forum for individuals dealing with suicidal thoughts, following a family member's suicide two years prior. Hart claimed that Thornton was misdirected to a forum with a similar URL and emphasized that he left the page upon realizing its content. She asserted that no illegal activity took place and that law enforcement confirmed no crime had occurred. Following the allegations, a spokesperson for Sony announced that Thornton has been suspended from 'Wheel of Fortune' pending an investigation, and he will be edited out of the upcoming 44th season as producers seek a replacement.