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Wheel of Fortune Announcer Fired Over Disturbing Content
10 Sep
Summary
- Announcer Jim Thornton was fired after allegations of accessing disturbing websites.
- Producers are re-editing filmed episodes with a new voice.
- Thornton was suspended on September 1 and fired on September 4.
Longtime announcer Jim Thornton has been fired from Wheel of Fortune. The termination, effective immediately on September 4, followed allegations that Thornton accessed disturbing websites involving minors. He had been suspended on September 1.
Producers are facing a major undertaking to re-edit roughly one month's worth of Season 44 episodes. These episodes featured Thornton's voice for introductions and prize announcements. Filming for these episodes occurred before his suspension.
Despite the significant change, hosts Ryan Seacrest and Vanna White appeared in good spirits during recent tapings. The new season, featuring a yet-to-be-announced replacement announcer, premiered on September 14.
