Los Angeles [US], September 3 (ANI): Jim Thornton, the longtime announcer of ‘Wheel of Fortune,’ has denied any wrongdoing after being suspended from the favored sport present amid an investigation by Sony Pictures Television.
Thornton, 61, has denied the allegations by his lawyer, who stated the TV persona didn’t break any legislation or face any legal prices.
“…did not engage in any illegal conduct, was not arrested, and has not been charged with any crime,” Thornton’s lawyer stated in an announcement to TMZ.
The lawyer additionally gave particulars about an alleged incident involving Thornton on a industrial flight in May. According to the assertion, legislation enforcement spoke to Thornton after the airplane landed however didn’t take additional motion.
“When questioned about the complaint made by a fellow passenger on the flight, law enforcement spoke to him for five minutes or less, immediately determined that no wrongdoing had occurred and told my client he was free to go,” Thornton’s lawyer continued.
According to PEOPLE journal, Thornton was suspended from ‘Wheel of Fortune’ on Tuesday, September 1, as Sony Pictures Television appears to be like into the allegations. The studio additionally stated it will briefly substitute him whereas the investigation is underway.
“He has been suspended from Wheel of Fortune and we are recasting while we conduct a thorough investigation,” Sony Pictures Television stated in an announcement to PEOPLE. The studio didn’t share particulars concerning the allegations.
The matter reportedly dates again to May, when Thornton was travelling on American Airlines Flight 1276. According to TMZ, a passenger complained to a flight attendant about Thornton through the flight.
American Airlines confirmed that the flight was met by legislation enforcement after arriving at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) following a criticism from a passenger. However, the airline didn’t determine Thornton or give particulars concerning the criticism.
“On May 14, American Airlines Flight 1276 was met by law enforcement upon arrival at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) following concerns reported by a customer onboard,” the airline stated in an announcement to PEOPLE.
Thornton joined ‘Wheel of Fortune’ as its announcer in 2011, following the demise of longtime announcer Charlie O’Donnell in 2010. O’Donnell had labored on the present from 1975 to 1980 and once more from 1989 till his demise.
Apart from Wheel of Fortune, Thornton has additionally labored as an announcer on exhibits together with The Price Is Right and The Soup. He has additionally lent his voice to The Cleveland Show and Monsters, Inc. (ANI)