Ex-‘Wheel of Fortune’ announcer’s alleged ‘panic’ Google search emerges after controversial in-flight incident

Former Wheel of Fortune announcer Jim Thornton reportedly searched for information about online chatroom privacy after a fellow passenger photographed him during a controversial in-flight incident, according to Page Six.

Photos published by TMZ reportedly showed Thornton using his phone after a flight attendant instructed him to close his laptop. A partially visible search appeared to reference “panic” and whether his identity could be connected to an online chatroom.

Thornton was subsequently suspended and, on September 4, terminated from Wheel of Fortune following an investigation by Sony Pictures Television Studios.

His attorney, Allison Hart, has denied that Thornton engaged in illegal activity. She said he mistakenly visited a website while intending to access a suicide-prevention service and left after realizing the error.

American Airlines confirmed that law enforcement met the flight at Los Angeles International Airport following a passenger’s concerns. Thornton was reportedly questioned briefly but was not arrested or charged.

He has not publicly addressed his termination.