Wheel of Fortune announcer Jim Thornton has been suspended by Sony Pictures Television amid an investigation into unspecified allegations, with the studio confirming it is recasting his role in the meantime. His attorney has pushed back publicly, telling TMZ that the 61-year-old has not been arrested or charged with any crime, in an apparent attempt to counter speculation about the nature of the claims against him.

The allegations reportedly relate to an American Airlines flight in May, on which another passenger complained about Thornton's conduct, prompting law enforcement to meet the flight on arrival at Los Angeles International Airport on 14 May. His lawyer said officers questioned Thornton for five minutes or less before concluding no wrongdoing had occurred and letting him go. Thornton has been the show's announcer since 2011, succeeding the late Charlie O'Donnell, and has also lent his voice to other programmes including "The Price Is Right" and "Jeopardy!", alongside a long-running radio career and several broadcasting awards.