‘Wheel of Fortune’ Bosses Are Nervous to Lose Ryan Seacrest Amid ‘Terrible’ Jim Thornton Scandal

‘Wheel of Fortune’ Bosses Are Nervous to Lose Ryan Seacrest Amid ‘Terrible’ Jim Thornton Scandal

Sony confirmed that announcer Jim Thornton was terminated from Wheel of Fortune on Friday, September 4, after an investigation into allegations involving an online chat room, a development with implications for the show’s reputation.

Sources told Closer that Wheel of Fortune bosses worry the scandal could affect host Ryan Seacrest’s commitment.

The report adds that Seacrest is wary of association while Jim Thornton’s firing remains prominent.

Sony’s focus is described as shielding Seacrest and Vanna White from fallout.

Thornton has not been arrested or charged. Attorney Allison Hart said he mistakenly accessed lifeline.chat, believing it was linked to 988lifelife.org, and left the site.

She cited his sui—e-prevention advocacy.