Ryan Seacrest Refuses to Intervene in Jim Thornton Probe as Sony Recasts 1 Announcer Role
Updated
Updated · Yahoo! Voices · Sep 3
Ryan Seacrest Refuses to Intervene in Jim Thornton Probe as Sony Recasts 1 Announcer Role
3 articles · Updated · Yahoo! Voices · Sep 3
Summary
Ryan Seacrest will not step into Sony Pictures Television’s investigation of Wheel of Fortune announcer Jim Thornton, with an insider saying the host avoids colleagues’ controversies and leaves executives to handle them.
Sony has already suspended Thornton, 61, and is recasting the announcer role while it conducts what it called a thorough investigation.
The probe stems from a complaint on American Airlines Flight 1276 on May 14 that drew law-enforcement attention after landing in Los Angeles.
Thornton’s attorney said he engaged in no illegal conduct, was not arrested or charged, and was cleared by officers after less than five minutes of questioning.
The episode puts Seacrest—nearing his two-year mark as host—at a distance from the latest turmoil around the long-running game show.