A representative for the studio stated that they were recently made aware of the allegations and have begun the process of recasting the role while the inquiry remains ongoing. Despite the suspension, episodes featuring Thornton’s pre-recorded voice continue to air on television.
Details of the Flight Incident and Legal Response
The allegations center on an incident that occurred on May 14 aboard
Law enforcement officers conducted a brief inquiry with the announcer at the arrival gate. Following this interaction, Thornton was permitted to leave the airport without facing any charges or arrests. His legal representative has since issued a statement defending his client, asserting that Thornton did not engage in any illegal conduct during the flight.
The attorney noted that the interaction with police lasted less than five minutes and that authorities immediately determined no wrongdoing had occurred, allowing Thornton to depart freely. The studio has not provided further details regarding the nature of the allegations or the expected duration of their internal investigation.
Career Background and Personal Life
Thornton joined Wheel of Fortune in 2011, succeeding the show's longtime announcer, Charlie O'Donnell. Over the past decade, he has become a fixture of the program, working alongside former host Pat Sajak and current presenter Ryan Seacrest. Beyond his work on the game show, Thornton has an extensive career in voiceover work, contributing to various animated films, television programs, and national advertising campaigns.
Originally from Huntington, West Virginia, Thornton attended Marshall University before establishing his career in broadcasting. He resides in the Los Angeles area with his wife, Sue, whom he married in 1991. The couple has one son, Sam. Thornton has been a vocal advocate for the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, a commitment stemming from his son’s 2009 diagnosis with Type 1 diabetes. Outside of his professional life, Thornton and his wife are known for their interest in historic preservation, currently working on the restoration of a Federal-era property in Ohio that is believed to have served as a stop on the Underground Railroad.
