The organizers of the online chat room for pedophiles that former "Wheel of Fortune" announcer Jim Thornton was seen using, resulting in his firing, are speaking out about the situation ... TMZ has learned.
The website, Lifeline.chat, became a major part of the controversy surrounding Thornton after we obtained photos showing him in the chat room during a May flight from North Carolina to Los Angeles.
As we previously reported, a fellow passenger photographed Thornton's laptop screen and alerted the flight crew about messages she believed were about children, prompting law enforcement to question him after the plane landed. Thornton was not arrested or charged.
“Wheel of Fortune” did not use an announcer during its latest taping … following the firing of longtime announcer Jim Thornton after he was allegedly caught on a child-predator website … TMZ has learned.
A source close to production tells TMZ … Season 44 rolled cameras Tuesday on the Sony Studios lot, with the usual introductions and announcements noticeably absent.
As we first reported … editors have also begun scrubbing Thornton’s voice from episodes already taped for the current season. We’re told they did not have anyone introduce hosts Ryan Seacrest and Vanna White for Tuesday's taping.
Jim Thornton is being scrubbed from more than just "Wheel of Fortune" ... his alma mater appears to be distancing itself from him as well ... in the wake of his pedo chatroom scandal.
Marshall University appears to have removed multiple references to Thornton from its website ... including webpages celebrating him as its 2026 Spring Commencement speaker and 2025 Homecoming Grand Marshal ... with links now leading to 404 error pages.
A Marshall University spokesperson tells TMZ ... "At this time, Marshall University is aware of the media reports regarding Jim Thornton and is actively monitoring the situation."
A former "Wheel of Fortune" contestant is defending Jim Thornton from the online pile-on ... saying people are rushing to brand him a pedophile before all the facts are known.
In a lengthy Facebook post, the former contestant -- Joshua Beach -- who calls Thornton one of his heroes -- said he's seen the photos and read what was reportedly on the chatroom, admitting some of it is "disturbing."
But he added ... "I'm also not comfortable watching the internet take a series of photographs and immediately turn them into a complete judgment of another human being."
Ex-"Wheel of Fortune" announcer Jim Thornton worried someone saw him in an online chat for pedophiles ... at least according to a photo taken moments after a flight attendant confronted him.
TMZ obtained the pic taken back in May by a passenger seated near Thornton on an American Airlines flight. The passenger grew concerned after seeing chatroom messages on Thornton's laptop about "cute boys" and a "hot little girl" at a restaurant ... so she reported it to a flight attendant.
In the new photo, Jim is on his phone reading the results of a Google A.I. search shortly after the flight attendant -- who'd spoken to the concerned passenger -- forced him to close his laptop.
Jim Thornton is 86'd from "Wheel of Fortune" ... TMZ has learned Sony Pictures Television Studios dropped the hammer Friday afternoon.
A Sony spokesperson tells us ... "Following a thorough investigation, Jim Thornton’s employment with Wheel of Fortune has been terminated, effective immediately."
The firing comes days after TMZ broke the story ... Thornton was flying American Airlines to Los Angeles in May when a passenger spotted him on what she believed to be a chatroom for pedophiles.
Jim Thornton's Facebook account has gone dark hours after he was fired from "Wheel of Fortune" ... and TMZ has learned the former announcer has also been scrubbed from the game show's social media channels.
Thornton's Facebook page was no longer publicly accessible Friday evening. It was active earlier in the day and featured behind-the-scenes photos and videos of Jim on the popular game show set.
The page also included photos of Jim making school appearances, along with more personal shots of his wife and son.
These are the photos that got "Wheel of Fortune" announcer Jim Thornton suspended by the show and grilled by law enforcement.
Thornton was on an American Airlines flight back in May from Charlotte to L.A. ... when a passenger eyed his laptop and saw him in a disturbing chatroom. The passenger tells TMZ, she saw images and texts that made it appear it was a chatroom for pedophiles.
One of the messages she saw said, "Couple of cute boys and a hot little girl." Another read, "All-you-can-eat Boyfett." referring to a restaurant where they could find underage kids.
Jim Thorntonis being cut out of the new season of "Wheel of Fortune" amid Sony Pictures Television Studios' investigation into its longtime announcer ... TMZ has learned.
Sources familiar with the situation tell TMZ ... the first month of the new season, which premieres September 14, has already been taped and is in the can, as they say in Hollywood. We're told producers are now re-editing those episodes with a new announcer ... an effort one source called a "major undertaking."
As we first reported ... Sony suspended Thornton after learning about allegations stemming from a May commercial flight.
9/3/2026 4:42 PM PT -- TMZ has obtained photos of pedophilia chatroom messages that led to his suspension.
9:45 PM PT -- Jim Thornton's attorney tells TMZ ... the announcer "did not engage in any illegal conduct, was not arrested, and has not been charged with any crime. When questioned about the complaint made by a fellow passenger on the flight, law enforcement spoke to him for five minutes or less, immediately determined that no wrongdoing had occurred and told my client he was free to go."
8:43 PM PT -- Jim Thorntonjustappeared on this evenings pre-taped episode of "Wheel of Fortune."
Jim Thornton -- the longtime "Wheel of Fortune" announcer -- has been suspended by Sony Pictures Television Studios ... TMZ has learned.
The studio tells TMZ ... “We have recently been made aware of allegations concerning Jim Thornton. He has been suspended from Wheel of Fortune and we are recasting while we conduct a thorough investigation.”
Sony Pictures Television did not provide a reason for his suspension from the show.
However, we've learned the alleged incident arose while Thornton was on a commercial flight back in May, and a passenger complained to a flight attendant about Thornton.
9:45 PM PT -- Jim Thornton's attorney tells TMZ ... the announcer "did not engage in any illegal conduct, was not arrested, and has not been charged with any crime. When questioned about the complaint made by a fellow passenger on the flight, law enforcement spoke to him for five minutes or less, immediately determined that no wrongdoing had occurred and told my client he was free to go."
Jim Thornton appeared on Tuesday night's pre-taped episode, which was a rerun, of "Wheel of Fortune" ... hours after Sony Pictures Television announced an investigation into the longtime announcer.
Ryan Seacrest tossed to Jim, asking him what was on the wheel that night ... and Jim gave his usual spiel about the guests and prizes. Worth noting -- "Wheel of Fortune" usually tapes episodes a couple months in advance.
As TMZ first reported, Jim was detained by law enforcement after a flight in May. Cops were called after a passenger on the plane complained about him.
Sony Pictures Television previously told TMZ on Tuesday ... "We have recently been made aware of allegations concerning Jim Thornton."
The studio told TMZ Jim was suspended and the recasting process had started amid an investigation into the matter.
Vanna White has finally solved the puzzle ... the longtime "Wheel of Fortune" icon just tied the knot!
Vanna announced the big news on IG Wednesday, sharing a sweet snap of real estate developer John Donaldson scooping up his brand-new bride as they posed for a pic from their big day.
Vanna kept it simple in the caption, writing, "Surprise! We got married!" ... adding the couple has been in love for more than a decade and quietly decided to make it official in a private ceremony.
Ryan Seacrest has announced heartbreaking news ... his father, Gary Lee Seacrest, has died following a years-long battle with prostate cancer.
The "Wheel of Fortune" host shared the news on Instagram Friday, telling fans his father "peacefully passed away earlier this week." He said his family finds comfort knowing "he is in a better place and free of any pain or suffering."
He wrapped up his post -- which featured a handful of family photos -- by speaking directly to his late father, writing ... "Dad you will live in our hearts forever. I love you."
Ryan Seacrest better hit the gym if "Wheel of Fortune" contestants keep pouncing on him ... 'cause one of 'em knocked him down on his ass while celebrating!
Here's how it all went down ... contestant Daniel Thomas was trying to solve a 7-letter word on Tuesday night's episode to win $40,000 during the show's bonus round.
Ryan kicked things off with the standard offering -- "R, S, T, L, N, E" -- in the "Living Things" category with "S" and "E' appearing on the big board.
Legendary game show host Chuck Woolery -- best known for being the first host of "Wheel of Fortune" -- has passed away ... TMZ has confirmed.
Chuck was also the host of the wildly successful dating show, "Love Connection," for a dozen years.
Chuck's longtime friend and podcast cohost Mark Young tells TMZ ... Chuck was home in Texas with his wife when she said he wasn't feeling well and went to lie down.
It is with a broken heart that I tell you that my dear brother @chuckwoolery has just passed away. Life will not be the same without him,RIP brother pic.twitter.com/OVPgG195RX
Ryan Seacrest is just a few weeks into his new gig hosting "Wheel of Fortune" ... and he's still spinning with excitement!
We caught up with Ryan in NYC Monday, and he was all smiles, telling us he's having a total ball giving away piles of cash -- and a new car here and there.
Ryan, who was joined by sister Meredith, added he always knew the hosting gig would be a blast, and he's now at the point where he's just trying to contain his excitement about the whole thing.
