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International Business Times UK
International Business Times UK
Politics
Marie Joy Toledo

Jim Thornton's 57-Minute Chatroom Mystery: Passenger Spots Disturbing Messages Before Suspension

Jim Thornton Wheel of Fortune Allison Hart Sony Pictures Television American Airlines
Jim Thornton was suspended from Wheel of Fortune as Sony Pictures Television investigates allegations concerning the longtime announcer (Credit: TenPoundHammer/Wikimedia Commons)

Wheel of Fortune announcer Jim Thornton was reportedly in a controversial online chatroom for at least 57 minutes during an American Airlines flight, according to timestamps on photographs taken by a fellow passenger, months before Sony Pictures Television suspended him amid an investigation into unspecified allegations.

The passenger raised concerns after seeing messages on Thornton's laptop during the May flight from Charlotte to Los Angeles, according to TMZ. Thornton's lawyer insists he did nothing illegal and has never viewed or downloaded child sexual abuse material. He was not arrested or charged with a crime.

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International Business Times UK
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